The Israel Defense Forces is investigating an unsubstantiated claim from Hamas that the youngest Israeli hostage, a 10-month-old baby, and members of his family have been killed in Gaza.
The militant wing of Hamas, known as the al Qassam Brigades, said on Wednesday that 10-month-old Kfir Bibas, his 4-year-old brother Ariel Bibas, and their mother Shiri Bibas were killed in an Israeli airstrike, though it did not provide any evidence. Israel has not conducted strikes since the beginning of the temporary truce last week.
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The IDF also believes Hamas handed off the three of them to another terrorist faction in Gaza.
The Bibas family, including 10-months-old Kfir, 4-year-old Ariel and their mother Shiri were abducted by Hamas on October 7.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 29, 2023
Hamas must be held accountable.
Hamas must release all hostages immediately. pic.twitter.com/aizQ6M0Yp2
"During the Hamas massacre of Oct. 7, the Bibas family, including 10-month-old Kfir Bibas, his 4-year-old brother Ariel Bibas, and their mother Shiri Bibas, were kidnapped alive into Gaza," IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said on Wednesday. "The barbarism and cruelty of Hamas is on full display to the world. IDF representatives spoke with the Bibas family following the recent reports and are with them at this difficult time. The IDF is assessing the accuracy of the information."
The family said in a statement, "We are waiting for the information to be confirmed and hopefully refuted by military officials. We thank the people of Israel for their warm support, but kindly request privacy during this difficult time," according to CNN.
Hagari said earlier this week that the Bibas family was no longer in Hamas's control. The terrorists who carried out the Oct. 7 attacks took roughly 240 people hostage and brought them to Gaza. Some hostages are being held by terrorist groups other than Hamas, including Palestinian Islamic Jihad and others.
BREAKING | The #Palestinian resistance faction, Al Qassam Brigades: We announce the killing of 3 #Israeli captives due to a previous #Israeli shelling on the #Gaza Strip. They are Shiri Silverman Beba, Kfir Bebas, Ariel Bebas. pic.twitter.com/YYwOpdM1V7
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) November 29, 2023
Israeli and U.S. officials have said Hamas is responsible for the safety and well-being of the hostages, even those not in its control.
"Hamas is wholly responsible for the security of all hostages in the Gaza Strip. Hamas must be held accountable. Hamas's actions continue to endanger the hostages, which include nine children. Hamas must immediately release our hostages," Hagari explained.
Israel and Hamas are in a fragile, temporary ceasefire that is expected to end on Wednesday unless there is another extension. The initial deal — which called for the release of 50 hostages, women and children, in Gaza in exchange for a pause in the Israeli military operation, a surge in humanitarian aid, and the release of about 150 people held in Israeli prisons — was set to expire on Monday. The two sides agreed to a two-day extension before it expired.
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Israeli officials initially said they would agree to an additional day of the ceasefire for every 10 hostages Hamas released.
Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy said on Wednesday that 86 people have been released during the cessation of fighting, while another 161 are still held hostage. He said there are still 35 women being held and four people under the age of 18, though it's unclear how the well-being of the Bibas family factors into those tallies.