Israel: body of Shiri Bibas confirmed, Tal Shoham and Avera Mengistu already released

Confirmation has arrived from the Israeli authorities that the body handed over last night is that of Shiri Bibas, kidnapped in October 2023 and killed in captivity. Hamas had already released Tal Shoham and Avera Mengistu a few minutes ago. The other 4 live hostages free in the next few hours

The body of Shiri Bibas, kidnapped by Hamas in October 2023, has been officially identified after a painful wait. The woman, mother of little Ariel and Kfir, who were also killed, became a symbol of the tragic reality experienced by Israel following the 7 October Hamas attack. The Bibas family received the most feared confirmation: Shiri was murdered while in captivity, as her loved ones stated in a heartbreaking message released this morning. ‘Shiri has returned home to her children to rest,’ said the family, expressing unbearable grief.

Tal Shoham and Avera Mengistu released

Tal Shoham and Avera Mengistu, both Israeli hostages, were finally released by Hamas and handed over to the Israeli armed forces. In a touching image, the two men appeared on the stage set up by the militiamen in Rafah, helped to walk by the militants themselves. Immediately afterwards, they were transferred to vehicles of the International Red Cross, which took them to freedom, handing them over to the Israelis.

Avera Mengistu, 28, was the longest held Israeli prisoner by Hamas, having spent over a decade in captivity. Of Ethiopian origin, he had entered Gaza in 2014 by crossing the border near Zikim Beach, north of the Strip. His release marks the end of a long and painful odyssey for his family and for Israel.

Tal Shoham, on the other hand, had been abducted on 7 October 2023 while visiting kibbutz Beeri with his wife Adi and their two children, Yahel, aged three, and Nave, aged eight. Together with them, four other family members had also been taken to Gaza. The wife and children were released back in November 2023, but Shoham had to wait until today to regain his freedom.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)