In a dramatic development that has escalated tensions surrounding the hostage deal, Hamas issued an official response on Friday to Israel's revelation that the body they returned was not that of hostage Shiri Bibas, while attempting to deflect responsibility and making unsubstantiated claims about mixed remains.
Hamas claimed they are "committed to the ceasefire agreement at all levels" and have no interest in not complying with its terms. "We received Israel's claims from the mediators and will examine them with absolute seriousness. We will announce the investigation results," the terror organization stated.
The statement indicated that an "examination process" would take place, after which Hamas would update the mediators about its results. As part of the statement, Hamas demanded the return of the transferred body remains, allegedly belonging to a Palestinian woman killed in the war. Simultaneously, Hamas spread false claims suggesting that "remains may have been mixed up."
During the night, the IDF updated that following examination at the Institute of Forensic Medicine, alongside the deceased hostages Kfir and Ariel Bibas, whose identities were confirmed, Hamas transferred an additional unidentified female body – instead of Shiri Bibas.
Despite efforts to cross-reference DNA, no match was found – neither to Shiri nor any other hostages. The clothing items found on the body were also carefully examined but not identified. The IDF clarified that this was an anonymous body and emphasized: "Hamas violated the agreement and we demand Shiri's return."
The IDF noted there is very grave concern for Shiri's life, concern based on solid intelligence information.
