Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed the nation's deep sorrow, stating, "The hearts of an entire nation lie in tatters," as the bodies of four hostages, abducted alive by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attack, were returned to Tel Aviv.Among them were the remains of a mother and her two young children from the Bibas family, whose plight had deeply moved the Israeli public. The confirmation of their deaths—Shiri Bibas and her sons, now aged five and two—sparked nationwide grief. The identity of the fourth victim, 84-year-old peace activist Oded Lifschitz, was verified through forensic examination.

Hamas previously claimed in November 2023 that an Israeli airstrike had killed the Bibas family, though no evidence was provided. The Israeli government has not confirmed this claim.This marks the first instance of Hamas returning deceased hostages since the ceasefire began. In response, thousands of Israelis gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, observing a minute of silence to mourn the victims.

Disclaimer:This video is taken from BBC News.