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Hamas has returned the bodies of four Israeli hostages more than 500 days after they were taken captive during the October 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel. Among them were Shiri Bibas, 32, her children Ariel, 4, and Kfir, 9 months old, and Oded Lifshitz, 83, a retired journalist.

The Bibas family’s abduction became one of the most haunting images of that day. Hamas terrorists stormed their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, dragging Shiri and her young sons into Gaza. Yarden Bibas, the father, was also kidnapped but was released earlier this month. Hamas claimed in November that Shiri and her children had died in an Israeli airstrike, but Israel never confirmed it.

The transfer took place in Khan Younis, where Hamas staged the bodies on a platform before a cheering crowd. The Red Cross received the coffins, which were taken to Israeli forces. Before the final transfer, Israeli security forces scanned the bodies for explosives to ensure Hamas hadn’t turned the tragedy into another attack.

The Israeli public lined the roads in silence, waving Israeli flags as the convoy carrying the bodies passed. Thousands stood in the rain as the remains were taken to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv for identification.

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog expressed the nation’s deep sorrow, saying:

“Agony. Pain. There are no words. Our hearts—the hearts of an entire nation—lie in tatters. On behalf of the State of Israel, I bow my head and ask for forgiveness. Forgiveness for not protecting you on that terrible day. Forgiveness for not bringing you home safely. May their memory be a blessing.”

With more than 70 hostages still in Hamas captivity, including Israeli soldiers, the fight for their return continues. On Saturday, six living hostages are expected to be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

The war in Gaza began after Hamas terrorists murdered 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped 251 hostages. Israel’s goal remains clear: eliminate Hamas and prevent future attacks on its people.