Israel Receives List of Deceased Hostages to Be Returned from Gaza Today; PM Netanyahu Shares His Sorrow
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Synopsis
On February 20, Israel confirmed receipt of a list detailing the deceased hostages set to be returned from Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed profound sorrow over the situation, highlighting the emotional toll on families and the nation.
Key Takeaways
- Israel received a list of deceased hostages for release.
- Four deceased hostages include Shiri Bibas, Ariel Bibas, Kfri Bibas, and Oded Lifshitz.
- Netanyahu expressed deep grief and solidarity with the families.
- IDF previously announced the return of three hostages after 498 days.
- Hostages are being accompanied back to Israel by IDF and ISA forces.
Jerusalem, Feb 20 (NationPress) Israel has obtained the list of the deceased hostages who are scheduled for release from Gaza on Thursday, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Wednesday.
Israel has received the list of deceased hostages who are set to return tomorrow as part of the Gaza truce framework. The statement further indicated that it had "notified the families of the hostages through IDF (military) representatives".
In a separate video statement, Netanyahu remarked: "Tomorrow will be a profoundly challenging day for the state of Israel. It will be an upsetting day, a day filled with grief. We bring home four of our cherished hostages, who are deceased. We stand with the families, and the heart of an entire nation is in anguish. My heart is heavy."
The Israeli PMO shared on X, "Israel has received the list of deceased hostages that are due to be released tomorrow, in accordance with the framework. The Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing, Brigadier General (Res.) Gal Hirsch, has informed the families of the hostages through IDF representatives."
The Prime Minister's Office confirmed that the four fallen Israeli hostages whose remains are set to be returned on Thursday are Shiri Bibas, Ariel Bibas, Kfri Bibas, and Oded Lifshitz.
"During this tough time, our thoughts are with the bereaved families," it stated.
PM Netanyahu added, "We hold the families close, and the heart of the entire nation is in sorrow. My heart is heavy. Yours is too. The heart of the entire world should be heavy, for this illustrates who we are confronting -- such monsters. We mourn, we feel pain, but we are also steadfast in our commitment to ensuring such an occurrence never happens again."
On February 15, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) had previously announced the return of three hostages -- Alexandre, Sagui, and Iair -- after spending 498 days in captivity.
The IDF confirmed that the hostages are being escorted by IDF and Israel Security Agency forces as they make their way back to Israeli soil. Upon arrival, they will undergo an initial medical evaluation.
In a post on X, the IDF stated, "After 498 days, Alexandre, Sagui, and Iair are finally home."
In another message, it added, "The three returning hostages are currently under the care of IDF and ISA forces as they head back to Israeli territory, where they will have an initial medical assessment. The IDF honors and embraces the returning hostages as they come home to the State of Israel."
It further noted, "As per information relayed by the Red Cross, three hostages were handed over to them and are on their way toward IDF and ISA forces in Gaza."
