Supportive responses began pouring in from around the world after the sorrowful return of the remains of Shiri Bibas-Silverman, her two children Kfir and Ariel, and Oded Lifshitz earlier this morning (Thursday).
“An Atrocity We Condemn Unequivocally”
The European Union ambassador to Israel Dimiter Tzantchev expressed: “I am horrified by the tragic deaths of hostages Oded Lifshitz, Shiri Bibas, and her young children Kfir and Ariel. Their abduction and murder by Hamas is an unfathomable atrocity that we unequivocally condemn. No child, no family should endure such a tragedy. We call for the release of all hostages.”
Horrified by the tragic deaths of hostages Oded Lifshitz, Shiri Bibas & her young sons Kfir & Ariel. Their abduction and murder by Hamas is an unthinkable atrocity that we condemn unequivocally. No child, no family should endure such tragedy. We call for all hostages' release.
— Dimiter Tzantchev (@DTzantchev) February 20, 2025
“Standing with Israel in Heartbreak on this Dark Day”
The British Embassy in Israel also shared condolences, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “We stand with Israel in deep heartbreak on this dark day. This is a stark reminder of the atrocities Hamas committed against innocent people on October 7th. For more than 500 days, we hoped for the safe return of all hostages. That hope is shattered today, but we must not give up on those still held in Gaza.”
We share Israel’s deep heartbreak on this dark day. It’s a stark reminder of the horrors Hamas inflicted on innocent people on 7/10. For over 500 days we hoped for the safe return of all the hostages. This hope is broken, but we mustn't give up on those still held hostage in Gaza pic.twitter.com/FMZlp5jTiu
— UK in Israel (@ukinisrael) February 20, 2025
“With a Heavy Heart, We Will Not Rest Until All Hostages Return Home”
Stephanie Hallett, Acting U.S. Ambassador to Israel, stated: “My heart is heavy knowing that the remains of four Israeli hostages— including sweet baby Kfir and dear Ariel— have finally been returned home. May their memories be a blessing. Today powerfully reminds us of Hamas’s unfathomable cruelty. We will not rest until all hostages return home.”
My heart is heavy knowing the remains of four deceased Israeli hostages — including sweet baby Kfir and darling Ariel — have finally returned home. May their memories be a blessing.
Today is a solemn reminder of Hamas’s unimaginable cruelty. We won’t rest until all the…
— Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Stephanie Hallett (@USAmbIsrael) February 20, 2025
Argentinian President Declares National Day of Mourning
Reported earlier today, Argentinian President Javier Milei declared a national day of mourning following the return of the remains of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas to Israel. The day of mourning will be observed as soon as official DNA verification of their identities is confirmed.
Sabrina Ajmechet, President of the Argentine Human Rights Commission, also addressed the deaths of Ariel and Kfir in a post on X: “Two Argentinian babies were murdered by Hamas terror,” she wrote, accompanied by orange heart emojis—the color of the Bibas children’s hair. “I hope I never again hear anyone say that the events in Israel and Gaza do not concern us all.” In a separate post, Ajmechet stated that upon confirmed DNA identification, Argentina would observe a national day of mourning.
En @prodiputados condenamos el brutal asesinato de los Bibas perpetrado por Hamas
— Sabrina Ajmechet (@ajmechet) February 19, 2025
The return of the fallen hostages serves as a painful reminder of the profound human cost of the unfathomable cruelty of Hamas. As messages of solidarity continue to pour in from across the globe, the collective hope remains steadfast: every hostage must return home.
