**Israelis Mourn Hostage Family Killed in Gaza**
Thousands of Israelis gathered to pay their respects to a family of three who were killed in captivity in Gaza. Shiri Bibas, 32, and her two sons, Ariel, four, and Kfir, nine months, were among the 251 hostages snatched by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
The funeral procession was held in southern Israel, with many attendees carrying orange balloons and Israeli flags. The family’s relatives thanked the public for their support and expressed hope that one day they can gather to celebrate joyous occasions, not sorrow.
Shiri Bibas appeared terrified in a haunting video filmed during the Hamas assault on her home 16 months ago. Her children were taken away from her as armed men surrounded them. Despite hopes of being returned alive, the family’s remains were handed over by Hamas last week, with DNA tests confirming their identities.
The Israeli military said that Kfir and Ariel were murdered by their captors “with their bare hands.” Shiri Bibas was also found to have been killed in captivity, after a mix-up involving a coffin labelled with her name was discovered. The confusion led to Israel postponing the release of 600 Palestinian prisoners.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pledge to avenge the family’s deaths has increased anxiety among the relatives of remaining hostages. The Bibas family has criticized the Israeli media and Netanyahu for ignoring their wishes not to release more details about their loved ones’ deaths.
**Key Points**
* A family of three, including Shiri Bibas, 32, and her two sons, Ariel, four, and Kfir, nine months, were killed in captivity in Gaza.
* The funeral procession was held in southern Israel, with thousands attending to pay their respects.
* DNA tests confirmed the identities of Kfir and Ariel, who were murdered by their captors “with their bare hands.”
* Shiri Bibas was also found to have been killed in captivity, after a mix-up involving a coffin labelled with her name.
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