Jerusalem Mourns as Bodies of Slain Hostages Return from Gaza

A somber silence blanketed Jerusalem’s usually bustling Mahane Yehuda market on Thursday morning as Israel prepared to receive the bodies of four hostages Shiri Bibas, her sons Kfir and Ariel, and 84-year-old Oded Lifshitz released from Hamas captivity in Gaza.

The market, typically filled with the lively hum of weekend shoppers, stood quiet as Jerusalemites grappled with the devastating news. The four hostages, all residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz, were among those taken by Hamas terrorists on October 7. Kfir Bibas, at just nine months old, was the youngest captive, while Oded Lifshitz was among the oldest at 84.

“Ein milim there are no words,” a group of young women told reporters. “It should never have happened. I think that’s the only possible way to explain.”

Vendors at Mahane Yehuda shared similar sentiments. One shopkeeper, surrounded by orange balloons symbolizing solidarity with the red-headed Bibas children, expressed his grief: “This is something that should have never ever happened. [He’s] a child, [he] doesn’t know hate, [he] doesn’t know love. He needs love.”

The orange balloons had become a poignant symbol during the hostages' captivity, marking the birthdays of Kfir and Ariel Bibas, who turned one and five, respectively, while held by Hamas.

Another vendor described the heartbreak of the situation. “I was holding onto hope even though I knew it was likely not going to end well. It was such sad news yesterday.”

The emotional toll of the tragedy left many in the market unable to find words, with some declining to speak publicly about the loss.

The hostages were handed over to the Red Cross on Thursday morning following a grim propaganda ceremony in Gaza. The event featured the four coffins displayed on a stage, set against a banner showing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu depicted as a vampire, alongside images of the hostages. A message on the banner accused Netanyahu and the Israeli military of responsibility for their deaths.

After the ceremony, the bodies were transferred to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and taken to the L. Greenberg Institute of Forensic Medicine at Abu Kabir in Tel Aviv for identification.

The return of the bodies serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing conflict and the profound suffering experienced by the families of the hostages and the entire nation.

Stay informed on the latest developments in Israel. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates.