Hamas fighters in the Gaza Strip assassinated brothers Ariel and Kfir Bibas just weeks after they were seized during the terrorists’ October 7, 2023, incursion into southern Israel. A forensic analysis of Ariel, 4, and 10-month-old Kfir revealed that they were not murdered in a subsequent airstrike, as alleged by Palestinian militants, Israel Defense Forces officials stated Friday. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesman, stated that Hamas executed the two children “in cold blood.” “The terrorists did not shoot the two young boys; they killed them with their bare hands,” Adm. Hagari said in a TV broadcast. “Afterwards, [Hamas] committed horrific acts to cover these atrocities.”

Kfir was 9 months old when his family, including father Yarden and mother Shiri, were kidnapped at Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of a number of settlements near Gaza captured by Hamas-led militants. IDF officers stated that they reached this decision based on forensic findings from the identification procedure and intelligence obtained since the beginning of the battle with Hamas.

We have shared these intelligence and forensic findings with our global allies so that they can verify them and the entire world can understand how the Hamas terrorist organization operates,” Adm. Hagari added.

In Gaza, Hamas handed over the small remains in what IDF officials described as a “cynical and cruel ceremony” on Thursday. Their mother was supposed to be repatriated to Israel with her children as part of Israel’s cease-fire with Hamas. However, IDF authorities accused Hamas of breaking the deal.

Adm. Hagari stated that the body alleged by Hamas to be Shiri’s was neither hers or any other hostage’s. “Hamas delivered the body of an unnamed woman. This is another evidence of [their] inhuman savagery. Oded Lifshitz, 83, was also found dead on Thursday. The Islamic Jihad terrorist outfit kidnapped both he and his wife from their Nir Oz house. The forensic examination proved Mr. Lifshitz’s death in captivity in November 2023.

“The kidnapping and murder in captivity of Oded, Ariel, and infant Kfir, all innocent civilians, constitute crimes against humanity. “The entire world must condemn these barbaric acts of terror,” Adm. Hagari declared. “We demand that Hamas release Shiri [Bibas] in accordance with the agreement.” Yarden Bibas was arrested apart from his wife and sons. He was released from Gaza this month after 484 days in captivity, according to IDF sources.

“We will do everything we can to return Shiri and the other 69 hostages who are still being held in deplorable conditions by Hamas in Gaza,” Adm. Hagari stated. “Our mission is not over until every single hostage comes home.”