Hamas Agrees to Return Bodies of Four Israeli Hostages, Including the Bibas Family
In a surprise move, the Palestinian militant group Hamas announced on Tuesday that it will return the bodies of four Israeli hostages, including the Bibas family, who were kidnapped and held prisoner by Hamas in the Gaza Strip in June 2001.
The announcement came during a non-violent protest in the Gaza Strip, where hundreds of Palestinians were demonstrating against the prolonged detention and lack of progress in negotiations to secure the return of the bodies.
The four hostages, including Daniel and Na’amie Bibas and their 10-year-old son, and an Israeli businessman, Cpl. David Tsemach, were kidnapped by Hamas militants while traveling through the West Bank. The incident sparked widespread outrage in Israel and led to a series of tense negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian leaders to secure their release.
While the main group of hostages was freed in 2004 after 58 months in captivity, the bodies of the four who lost their lives during the ordeal were never returned to their families.
The announcement comes after months of international pressure and a recent appeal by the Bibas family to the Palestinian Authority to facilitate the return of their loved ones’ remains.
"This is a moment of hope for the Bibas family and for all those who have been waiting for so long to bring their loved ones back," said Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennet in a statement. "We welcome this decision and will work closely with the Palestinian Authority to ensure the prompt return of the bodies to Israel, where they can be given a proper burial."
The development is seen as a significant step towards improving relations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, which have been strained in recent years over issues such as settlement expansion and Palestinian diplomatic efforts to recognize the state of Palestine.
"This decision demonstrates that even in the face of deep-seated disagreements, we can find common ground and work towards a better future," said Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in a statement.
The news is expected to be met with relief and gratitude from the families of the hostages, who have been fighting for years for justice and closure. The Bibas family, in particular, has been at the forefront of the campaign, with Na’amie Bibas leading the charge to secure the return of her family’s remains.
For her, the news is a "dream come true".
"The wait has been long and arduous, but we never gave up hope," she said. "Today, our dream is finally being realized. We are overjoyed that our loved ones will be coming home, and we are grateful to Hamas for this decision."
The return of the bodies is expected to take place in the coming days, with details still being finalized. For many, it marks a small but significant milestone on the long and winding road to reconciliation and peace in the region.
