Global leaders and public figures sharply criticized the Associated Press on Saturday for its characterization of the Bibas family deaths, after the news agency wrote that the Israeli mother and her two children had "died in captivity" rather than being murdered by Hamas.
The controversy erupted after AP reported: "A body released by Palestinian militants overnight was confirmed by the family to be of Shiri Bibas, the Israeli mother whose sons also died in captivity."
They didn't "die in captivity" they were murdered in captivity. Fixed it for you. https://t.co/ZlhGGdZQci
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) February 22, 2025
Donald Trump Jr. immediately challenged the phrasing on X: "They didn't 'die in captivity' they were murdered in captivity. Fixed it for you."
United States Ambassador-designate to the UN Elise Stefanik issued a stern rebuke: "NEWSFLASH to the disgraced, morally repugnant, and antisemitic Associated Press. They were KILLED by Hamas terrorists."
Earlier in the week, Stefanik issued a powerful statement: "The world must never forget that Hamas terrorists savagely murdered over 1,200 innocent civilians including women, children, babies, and the elderly and took hundreds hostage committing unspeakable atrocities against humanity on October 7th. As we learn more about the tragic fates and devastating loss of life of these innocent victims, we are reminded that this must not be Israel's fight alone but a fight between good and evil, civilization and barbarity. It has never been more important to show our unequivocal support for our most precious ally and it is clear that under President Trump's leadership, America stands steadfast in support of Israel and the Jewish people. And we will not rest until every hostage is brought home."
NEWSFLASH to the disgraced, morally repugnant, and antisemitic Associated Press.
They were KILLED by Hamas terrorists. pic.twitter.com/7GFuc257xo
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) February 22, 2025
Education policy expert Robert Pondiscio wrote: "Sorry, @AP but zoo animals 'die in captivity.' Shiri Bibas and her children were taken hostage and murdered."
Remember their names. pic.twitter.com/72vqE2vfyX
— Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) February 22, 2025
Representative Nancy Mace, who visited Israel this week, added: "Unfortunately, this already gut-wrenching tragedy has taken an even darker turn. Four-year-old Ariel and nine-month-old Kfir Bibas were brutally murdered a month after their kidnapping. Their mother, Shiri Bibas, body was not returned today, as it was promised. After spending this week walking their streets and seeing the evil Hamas has struck on their country, I have never felt more committed to eradicating Hamas for good."
