- विज्ञापन -
Jerusalem: Israel has confirmed the identification of Oded Lifshitz, an 83-year-old retired journalist and peace activist, who was one of the oldest hostages held by Hamas. His body, along with the remains of a mother and her two sons, has been recognized after being released by Hamas. According to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, Lifshitz was “murdered” while in the custody of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad over a year ago, although specific details regarding his cause of death were not disclosed. Islamic Jihad had previously claimed he died due to an Israeli airstrike.
The identification of these bodies, including those of a baby named Kfir, his four-year-old brother Ariel, and their mother Shiri Bibas, is still in progress. The bodies were handed over to the Red Cross in the first transfer since a ceasefire began on January 19. After receiving the remains, Israeli military personnel inspected the coffins with X-ray scanners, citing concerns about possible booby traps from Hamas.
The news has led to widespread mourning in Israel, with crowds gathering to honor the deceased. Mourners lined the streets as the coffins, draped in Israeli flags, were transported, attending brief ceremonies where soldiers fired ceremonial shots. In Tel Aviv, people gathered in Hostage Square, holding flags and displaying images of remaining captives on a large screen.
The Lifshitz family expressed their grief and stated that their healing process would commence and continue until all hostages are returned. Israel has not released any Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the bodies. Meanwhile, Hamas is set to free six living hostages on Saturday in return for hundreds of Palestinians detained by Israel, as outlined in the ceasefire agreement. The next phase of negotiations concerning the remaining hostages is expected to start this week.
