Israeli hostage Bibas brothers aged just 2 & 5 and mother confirmed dead as bodies set for return to grieving family

THE youngest Israeli hostage taken by Hamas has been confirmed dead alongside his brother and mother.

Israel has confirmed the horrific news after Hamas claimed on Tuesday that all three were dead which left the Bibas family in turmoil.

Ian Whittaker

Mum Shiri Bibas was seen desperately clutching to Kfir and his brother Ariel as they were kidnapped on October 7[/caption]

Supplied

Yarden and Shiri Bibas with their two young boys before the family became hostages[/caption]

Baby Kfir was the youngest hostage taken by Hamas

Kfir Bibas was less than a year old when he was kidnapped by terrorists on October 7.

His then four-year-old brother Ariel and his mother Shiri Bibas, 33, were also snatched in the bloody rampage.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum announced on Wednesday that all three were dead. 

Also confirmed dead is Oded Lifshitz, a retired journalist who was taken from his home in the same region.

A spokesperson for the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said: “We received the heart-shattering news that Shiri Bibas, her children Ariel and Kfir, and Oded Lifshitz are no longer with us.

“This news cuts like a knife through our hearts, the families’ hearts and the hearts of people all over the world.

“Oded was a journalist and peace activist who helped found Kibbutz Nir Oz.

“He dedicated his life to helping others and transporting sick Gazans to Israeli hospitals, and his grandchildren called him ‘Super Grandpa’ for his wisdom and love. 

“Shiri was a dedicated mother and accountant, known for her boundless kindness, who nurtured and cared for all the kibbutz children.

“She touched everyone’s heart with her capacity for giving and love for others. 

“Ariel, just four-year-old when kidnapped, loved Batman and playing with tractors in the garden.

“Baby Kfir, not-even-one-year-old when taken, had gorgeous red hair and a smile that could melt any person.

“They weren’t just names – they were beloved people, with families who cherished them, with dreams and futures stolen from them.

“We grieve not only for them, but for the other precious lives lost, including four more deceased hostages who will be returned next week.

“We will not rest. We will not stop fighting for every hostage who isn’t part of the current deal – for those still alive, clinging to survival, desperate to return to their loved ones and begin healing.

“And for those we know are deceased – their families deserve the dignity of closure, the basic right to give their loved ones a proper burial.

“This cannot continue. Not one more day. The second stage of the deal must happen NOW. There is no more time to waste.

“Not when every passing moment could mean another life lost, another family shattered. Bring them all home – NOW.”

It is not known when or how the four hostages died, though Hamas has claimed that they were killed in an Israeli airstrike in November.

The Bibas family had taken shelter inside their home on Kibbutz Nir Oz when Hamas stormed the area.

Their father Yarden, 35, was also taken after Hamas brutes smashed him over the head with a hammer.

Their bodies are set to return to Israel on Thursday, local media reports.

Hamas has said the bodies will be returned alongside six living hostages.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

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