Argentina Declares National Mourning for Bibas Brothers After Hostage Crisis

Argentina has instituted two days of national mourning for the Bibas brothers, Kfir and Ariel, whose bodies were returned by Hamas. The children were confirmed dead, and their mother, Shiri Bibas, was not among the bodies returned. President Javier Milei condemned Hamas and called for the immediate release of all hostages, while also extending condolences to the children’s father, Yarden Bibas.

Argentina has declared a two-day national mourning period following the return of the remains of two Israeli Argentine children, Kfir and Ariel Bibas, who were taken hostage by Hamas. The bodies were among four hostages handed over by the militant group. However, contrary to Hamas’ claims, their mother, Shiri Bibas, was not included in this handover.

President Javier Milei’s administration issued a statement condemning Hamas for its actions and confirmed the tragic circumstances surrounding the children’s deaths, citing them as being murdered during captivity. The President emphasized the inhumanity of such events in the modern era, particularly targeting the family’s Jewish identity as a motive for these atrocities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Hamas for violating a truce by not returning Shiri Bibas. A Hamas spokesperson suggested that Shiri’s remains may have been mixed with others killed and buried due to airstrikes in Gaza. They asserted that discussions had been held with mediators regarding the potential handover of the Bibas family members’ bodies.

The Bibas children and their mother had been symbolic figures during the hostage crisis, with the family’s abduction vividly documented by Hamas during its assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. Yarden Bibas, their father, who was also taken hostage, had previously been released, yet remained separated from his family.

In its official communication, the Argentine government called for the immediate release of all hostages, expressing its determination to ensure that Hamas faces consequences for its actions. President Milei extended his deepest condolences to Yarden Bibas, who has endured the trauma of being held captive and is now confronting profound loss.

Argentina’s national mourning honors the tragic fate of the Bibas children and underscores its condemnation of Hamas’ actions. The national outcry reflects broader concerns over the ongoing conflict and the tragic implications for families involved. As Argentina calls for the release of all hostages, the historical context of these events remains a pivotal element in international dialogue.

Original Source: www.france24.com