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Massive turnout in Israel for the funeral of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, killed in Gaza captivity

The tragic procession moves through multiple cities as the Bibas family mourns their loved ones, brutally murdered during captivity

Large crowds have gathered in Israel to honor the funeral procession of Shiri Bibas and her two young children, Ariel and Kfir, who were held captive by Hamas after being taken hostage on October 7, 2023, and later killed during their detention in Gaza. The procession began in Ramat Gan, on the outskirts of Tel Aviv, where flags and signs waved in tribute, before the cortege moved through cities including Yavne, Ashdod, and Ashkelon, ultimately heading towards Sha’ar HaNegev near the Gaza border.

The family’s emotional response to national support

In a heartfelt statement, the Bibas family expressed their deep gratitude for the outpouring of support from fellow Israelis. “We are moved, we feel your presence, and it gives us strength,” they shared at the start of the procession. Yarden, Shiri’s husband and the father of Ariel and Kfir, apologized for not being able to personally thank each individual present, adding that the family hopes for a future filled with moments of joy rather than sorrow.

Israel blames Hamas for the brutal killings

The bodies of the two children were returned to Israel on February 21, 2025, with Israeli authorities laying the blame squarely on Hamas for their deaths. IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari detailed the horrific circumstances, stating that the children had been “murdered with bare hands” by Hamas terrorists, a revelation shared with Israel’s global allies. Hagari refuted Hamas’s claims that the children died in an airstrike, describing instead that the militants sought to cover up the atrocities they committed.

U.S. envoy set to engage in further ceasefire talks

Meanwhile, the U.S. special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is preparing to travel to the region to finalize discussions for the next phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. He indicated that, depending on how talks proceed in Doha or Cairo, he could fly to the Middle East on Sunday to seal a deal that could potentially lead to the release of more hostages.

IDF strikes in southern Syria

As tensions continue in the region, the Israeli Defense Forces confirmed that they have conducted strikes on military targets in southern Syria, targeting weapon storage facilities. According to the IDF, the presence of these military assets posed a threat to Israeli citizens, and the military vowed to continue efforts to eliminate any dangers to the state of Israel.

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