The family of young Bibas brothers, who were snatched by Hamas, has spoken out following the release of their father, Yarden Bibas, after 484 days in captivity.
Yarden Bibas’ Release
Yarden Bibas, aged 34, was released alongside two other hostages, Ofer Kalderon and American-Israeli Keith Samuel Siegel, as part of a fragile ceasefire agreement with Israel. The release took place in Khan Younis, Gaza, where the three men were handed over to the Red Cross.
Ongoing Concerns for Family
Despite Yarden’s release, his family remains „incomplete” as there are still no signs of his wife, Shiri, and their young sons, Kfir, who is now two years old, and Ariel, aged five. The children were kidnapped alongside their parents from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the deadly Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
Heartbreaking Circumstances
Kfir was only 9 months old at the time of his abduction, and both boys have spent the majority of their lives as hostages. The last known footage of the children showed them being marched through Gaza alongside their mother by Hamas gunmen, raising serious concerns about their safety and well-being.
A Family’s Emotional Response
In their first statement since Yarden’s release, his family expressed their mixed emotions: “A quarter of our heart has returned to us after 15 long months. Yarden has returned home but the home remains incomplete.” They also conveyed the pain of facing an “unbearable reality” without the presence of Shiri and the boys.
Fears for the Captives
There are mounting fears regarding the fate of Shiri and the Bibas children. In a previous statement, Hamas claimed that they had been killed in an Israeli airstrike, a claim that Israel’s military has not verified. Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari has indicated that the IDF is “very concerned and worried” about the condition of the Bibas family.
Hope Amidst Despair
Despite the grim situation, Yarden’s family remains hopeful for a reunion. Kfir’s aunt, Ofri Bibas-Levy, expressed the family’s anguish, stating, “Not knowing is so hard that sometimes I just want to scream. Just tell me, even if it’s the worst thing.”
Ceasefire and Hostage Exchanges
The recent release of hostages is part of a broader ceasefire deal, which has seen 18 hostages freed in exchange for 400 Palestinian prisoners. This exchange is a significant development in the ongoing conflict that has resulted in immense suffering for both sides.
Conclusion
The situation for the Bibas family remains precarious as they await news of Shiri, Kfir, and Ariel. As Yarden returns home, he does so with a heavy heart, burdened by the uncertainty surrounding the lives of his loved ones.
