Hamas is set to transfer the bodies of four Israeli hostages who were taken alive during the group's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The group has stated that the bodies include a mother and her two children from the Bibas family, as well as Oded Lifshitz, an 84-year-old peace activist.

The fate of Shiri Bibas, 33, and her sons, Kfir and Ariel, has remained unknown since their capture, causing deep concern across Israel. Kfir, the youngest, was just nine months old at the time. Hamas previously claimed they had died in an Israeli airstrike, though no evidence was provided. Israeli authorities have yet to confirm their deaths and will do so only after forensic examinations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted to the news, stating that "the heart of the entire nation is torn" and describing Hamas as "monsters." The Bibas family expressed their distress, saying they remain in turmoil until confirmation is received.

It is unclear how the bodies will be handed over, but the Red Cross has called for a dignified transfer, condemning any degrading treatment during such operations. The organization’s statement follows criticism of Hamas' recent staged hostage releases, where captives were paraded before being handed over.

Meanwhile, six living hostages are scheduled to be released on Saturday. The hostage exchange is part of a ceasefire agreement that came into effect on January 19, under which 33 hostages will be swapped for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. So far, 24 hostages and over 1,000 prisoners have been exchanged.

Seventy hostages taken on October 7 remain in Gaza, along with three others captured more than a decade ago. Around half of those still in captivity are believed to be alive. Talks on the next phase of the ceasefire—aimed at securing the release of all remaining hostages and ending the war—have yet to begin.