IDF Confirms Red Cross Received Bodies of Four Israeli Hostages in Gaza
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Thursday that the Red Cross has received four caskets containing the remains of Israeli hostages from the Gaza Strip.
According to an IDF statement, the bodies are being transferred to Israeli forces in Gaza. “The Red Cross has informed us that four caskets containing deceased hostages have been handed over, and they are now being transported to the IDF and Israel Security Agency (ISA) forces in Gaza,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the remains would be sent to the national forensics center for identification.
Israeli radio station Kan reported that the IDF is planning a memorial ceremony in Gaza for the four victims, identified as 84-year-old Oded Lifshitz, Shiri Bibas, and her two young children, Ariel and Kfir.
Reports indicate that the transfer was part of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, in effect since January 19. Israel estimates that 69 hostages—including those confirmed deceased—remain in Gaza.
