This morning (Thursday), the coffins of four hostages who were held captive by Hamas were returned: Shiri Silberman-Bibas, her two young children, Kfir and Ariel, and Oded Lifshitz. The coffins were transferred to the National Center of Forensic Medicine in Abu Kabir for identification. Within a few hours, it was confirmed that Lifshitz’s identification had been completed.
Following the announcement by the Lifshitz family, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement to the people of Israel, expressing deep sorrow and outrage: “On this day, we are all united in unbearable grief. Every home in Israel bows its head today. We mourn the devastating loss of our four abducted citizens. We all feel a pain mixed with fury. We are all enraged by Hamas’s monstrous acts.”
Netanyahu: “Their blood cries out to us from the ground”
Netanyahu made a firm commitment: “The return of our loved ones in coffins compels us more than ever to ensure, to swear, that what happened on October 7 will never happen again. Their blood cries out to us from the ground. It demands that we hold these despicable murderers accountable – and we will. Our hearts are broken, but our spirit remains unshaken. With this spirit: we will bring all our hostages home, we will destroy the murderers, we will eradicate Hamas, and together – with God’s help – we will secure our future.”
Katz: “Hamas will be destroyed”
Defense Minister Israel Katz also issued a strong statement: “The heart of the entire nation mourns today. Hamas abducted, Hamas murdered, Hamas will be destroyed. We will avenge our enemies and ensure our future.”
At the same time, the Hostages, Missing Persons and Returnees Directorate of the Prime Minister’s Office extended its condolences to the Lifshitz family and pledged to continue supporting the families during these difficult times. “We pray for the swift return of all the hostages to their homes,” the statement read.
