Hamas hands over first dead Israeli hostages in Gaza

They are believed to include the Bibas family, who for Israel have become a symbol of the captives.

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Hamas says the bodies are those of a mother and two children from the Bibas family, whose unknown fate has gripped Israel. Israel has confirmed only the identity of the fourth - Oded Lifschitz, 84, a veteran peace activist - after a forensic examination.

President Herzog wrote "there are no words" in a post on social media platform X, asking the four for forgiveness "for not bringing you home safely".

It is the first time Hamas has returned captives dead since the ceasefire began last month.

Following Hamas's handover of the four bodies, thousands of Israelis gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv and observed a minute's silence.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clydwlxykzyo

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