The Bibas Family’s Urgent Appeal for the Release of Their Infant Amidst Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

Kfir Bibas, a 10-month-old infant, has been held captive by Hamas for a significant portion of his life. He was among roughly 240 individuals kidnapped from a kibbutz in southern Israel on October 7 by Palestinian militants, who then took them to Gaza. Kfir, the youngest of approximately 30 children taken, remains captive despite the release of other women, children, and teenagers under a temporary ceasefire. His red hair and toothless grin are notably missing from the list of those to be freed, leaving his family in anguish.

Kfir’s plight, along with his 4-year-old brother Ariel’s, has become a focal point for Israelis advocating for the immediate release of all hostages. A public demonstration supporting the Bibas family occurred in Tel Aviv.

Eylon Keshet, a relative, expressed disbelief at the situation, questioning if a baby could be viewed as an enemy by Hamas. A distressing video surfaced post-abduction, showing Kfir, Ariel, and their mother Shiri enveloped in a blanket, encircled by armed men speaking Arabic, displaying Shiri’s evident fear.

In the video, one man assures Shiri that she won’t be harmed, emphasizing their respect for humanity, while another acknowledges her motherhood. The boys’ father, Yarden Bibas, also captured, appears injured in photographs.

Ofri Bibas Levy, Yarden’s sister, is perplexed by the delay in her nephews’ release, fearing they might be seen as trophies. The family has endured immense emotional distress since the kidnapping, with no indication of Kfir’s well-being and concerns about his ability to endure captivity.

Wearing a shirt featuring her captive family members in Tel Aviv, Ofri Bibas Levy spoke to The Big Big News, expressing her worries about the children’s daily life in captivity, especially young Kfir’s needs.

Kfir’s case has resonated widely, symbolizing the harshness of Hamas’ actions. Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have both highlighted his plight in international media and conferences.

A Channel 12 reporter emotionally reported on the family’s ordeal, echoing a national sentiment of hope for their return. A ceasefire extension between Israel and Hamas could potentially lead to the release of Kfir, Ariel, and their mother, though they weren’t expected to be freed immediately.

The family, disheartened by Kfir’s continued captivity, issued a statement conveying their profound disappointment. Israeli military spokespeople have intensified calls for the Bibas family’s release as the ceasefire’s end looms.

A significant gathering in Tel Aviv demanded the family’s liberation, especially the children’s, releasing orange balloons in solidarity. “They have been 53 days in Gaza, and we don’t know who is hugging them, or giving them baths, or calming them down if they are crying,” Bibas Levy stated at a press conference.

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More about Kfir Bibas Captivity

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• Kfir Bibas: A Symbol of Conflict
• International Response to Israeli Hostages
• Humanitarian Concerns in Middle East Conflicts