Hamas Transfers Bodies of Israeli Hostages amid Shaky Ceasefire

Hamas transferred the bodies of four dead Israeli hostages on Thursday in a southern Gaza ceremony. It was the first exchange of dead captives since the shaky ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The bodies, Shiri Bibas, her two sons Ariel and Kfir, and Oded Lifshitz, 83, were removed from the stage by Palestinian militants during a ceremony witnessed by hundreds. The coffins were covered with white shrouds, along with photos of the victims and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The transfer was at the Bani Suheila cemetery, which had been left in ruins by Israeli forces during the conflict.

Hamas claimed that the hostages received humane treatment but accused the Israeli army of assassinating them. Israeli President Isaac Herzog regretted, describing the hearts of the nation as being in shreds after the transfer. Armed Hamas militants and military groups took part in the ceremony, accompanied by displays of arms and chanting crowds.

The ceremonies took place amidst a precarious and strained cease-fire, and the bodies were escorted to Red Cross ambulances.