Bodies of Ariel and Kfir Bibas identified: third body not Shiri

The IDF confirms the toddlers were brutally murdered in November 2023, but the third body is not Shiri and remains unidentified.

The Bibas family were informed of the completion of the identification process of Ariel (5) and Kfir (2) Bibas, who were kidnapped from their home in Nir Oz on October 7th. According to professional assessments, the two were murdered in captivity in November 2023 when Ariel was aged 4 years, and Kfir 10 months old.

The family was kidnapped from their home in Nir Oz on October 7th 2023, when father Yarden was captured while trying to protect his family, followed by the kidnapping of mother Shiri and their two young sons. While Yarden was released as part of the deal earlier this month, Shiri remains in captivity.

According to the IDF spokesperson, forensic evidence and intelligence assessments indicate that the children were brutally murdered by terrorists. The Military emphasized that this constitutes a serious breach of the agreement with Hamas, which was supposed to return four deceased hostages.

According to the assessment of professional officials, based on the intelligence available to us and forensic findings from the identification process, Ariel and Kfir Bibas were brutally murdered by terrorists in captivity in November 2023.

During the identification process, it was determined that the additional body received is not that of Shiri Bibas, and no match was found for any other hostage. This is an anonymous, unidentified body.

This is a violation of utmost severity by the Hamas terrorist organization, which is obligated under the agreement to return four deceased hostages. We demand that Hamas return Shiri home along with all our hostages.

Ariel Bibas was four years old at the time of his death, and Kfir Bibas was ten months old at the time of his death. They were abducted with their mother, Shiri Bibas, from their home in Nir Oz. Yarden Bibas, Ariel and Kfir’s father, went out to protect them and was abducted prior to the abduction of Shiri and the children. Yarden returned as part of the agreement for the return of the hostages on February 1, 2025.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Bibas family during this incredibly difficult time and remain committed to doing everything possible to ensure Shiri and all the hostages are brought home at the earliest opportunity.

The National Institute of Forensic Medicine, in cooperation with the Israel Police, conducted the identification process. The IDF has stated it will continue all efforts to return Shiri and all remaining hostages as soon as possible.

The full IDF statement:

Following the completion of the identification process by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine in collaboration with the Israel Police, IDF representatives informed the Bibas family that their loved ones, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, have been identified.

According to the assessment of professional officials, based on the intelligence available to us and forensic findings from the identification process, Ariel and Kfir Bibas were brutally murdered by terrorists in captivity in November 2023.

During the identification process, it was determined that the additional body received is not that of Shiri Bibas, and no match was found for any other hostage. This is an anonymous, unidentified body.

This is a violation of utmost severity by the Hamas terrorist organization, which is obligated under the agreement to return four deceased hostages. We demand that Hamas return Shiri home along with all our hostages.

Ariel Bibas was four years old at the time of his death, and Kfir Bibas was ten months old at the time of his death. They were abducted with their mother, Shiri Bibas, from their home in Nir Oz. Yarden Bibas, Ariel and Kfir’s father, went out to protect them and was abducted prior to the abduction of Shiri and the children. Yarden returned as part of the agreement for the return of the hostages on February 1, 2025.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Bibas family during this incredibly difficult time and remain committed to doing everything possible to ensure Shiri and all the hostages are brought home at the earliest opportunity.

TPS