The Israeli government confirmed on Wednesday that a baby and a child abducted on October 7, 2023, are among the slain hostages who will be returned by Hamas on Thursday. They are Ariel and Kfir Bibas, who were 4 years and 10 months old at the time, respectively. Their mother, Shiri, has also been killed and will be returned as well, along with hostage Oded Lifshitz.
"In this difficult time, our hearts are with the grieving families," said the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a statement. "We will continue to provide reliable updates as needed and ask to refrain from spreading rumors or unofficial information."
