Hamas has claimed that Shiri Bibas and her two children are dead, supposedly killed in an IDF bombing. The IDF informed the family so they would not learn from the news media. On October 7, Shiri Bibas and her two children, 4-year-old Ariel and 10-month-old Kfir, along with her husband Yarden, were taken to the Gaza Strip. A video of their abduction was played over and over again, with the mother struggling against the terrorist and trying to protect her small red-haired children.

Hamas has recently claimed that Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir were killed in an Israeli airstrike before the current truce, although the terrorist organization has not provided proof for this claim​​​​​​. In fact, before the humanitarian pause, they had included them in the list of children to be released. Several days ago, the terror group said they were in the hands of another terror group. Now they are offering another version, apparently unable to produce the children and mother as promised.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are urgently investigating these claims to verify their credibility. The IDF has communicated with the Bibas family, updating them on the situation and offering support during this challenging time. According to IDF statements, Hamas is entirely responsible for the safety of all hostages in the Gaza Strip, including nine children, and the terrorist group’s actions continue to pose a threat to their safety​​​​​​​​. Jimmy Miller, a family member, appeared on Israeli television, firmly holding Hamas solely responsible for the welfare of the family and their safe return.

The image of a frightened Shiri Bibas clutching her two small, red-headed children while being taken captive has become a defining visual of the tragic events of October 7. Family members, including Ofri Bibas (Kfir’s aunt) and Aylon Keshet (a cousin of the Bibas family), have expressed their profound concern and anguish over the uncertainty of the hostages’ well-being and conditions​​​​​​.

The pause has led to the release of 61 Israelis and 20 foreigners by Hamas, while Israel has freed up to 180 Palestinians. Qatari officials have emphasized the importance of the ceasefire’s success in locating missing Israeli hostages​​.