Shortly before (20.02.2025), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded harshly to the return of the bodies of four Israeli hostages from the Gaza Strip. In a video posted to his X account, Netanyahu expressed deep anger and determination to continue the campaign against Hamas.

"God of Vengeance. We will destroy Hamas. All of Israel together", Netanyahu began his remarks, as the four coffins draped in Israeli flags were transferred in a ceremony in Bani Suheila in southern Gaza Strip. "Today there is pain in every home in Israel. We all grieve for the 4 bodies of our hostages. We are all angry. Hamas are monsters".

The returned hostages are Shiri Bibas, her children Kfir and Ariel, and Oded Lifshitz, who were kidnapped alive during the October 7 attack and returned to Israel after 503 days. "4 coffins compel us to ensure that the disaster of 7/10 never happens again", Netanyahu emphasized. "Our heart is broken, but our spirit is not broken. And with this spirit, we will return all our hostages and destroy the murderers. We will eliminate Hamas".

The coffin transfer ceremony was described by official sources as a "sick ceremony" conducted contrary to agreements with international mediators. The Red Cross, which collected the coffins, protested to Hamas officials about the nature of the event, and Israel conveyed an official protest to the international aid organization and mediating countries.

During the reception of the coffins in the Strip, the Chief Military Rabbi, Brigadier General Eyal Karim, read Psalm 83 from the Book of Psalms, symbolizing a request for justice against Israel's enemies. The coffins were transferred for security screening before being moved to the Abu Kabir Institute of Forensic Medicine.

President Isaac Herzog responded to the event with painful words: "This is a moment of agony and pain. The heart of an entire nation is shattered to pieces. In the name of the State of Israel, I bow my head and ask for forgiveness. Forgiveness for not fulfilling our duty. Forgiveness for not protecting you on that cursed day. Forgiveness for not bringing you home safely".

The stark contrast between Hamas's cruelty toward the hostages and the humanitarian approach of the State of Israel is particularly evident at this time. While the hostages' bodies were returned lifeless, terrorists imprisoned in Israeli detention facilities enjoy conditions meeting international standards, including advanced medical services, air conditioning systems, bathing facilities, vaccinations, and regular meals.

Waves of support and deep solidarity with the bereaved families flooded the entire country. Masses carried the Israeli flag at various locations throughout the country, and in the Carmi Gat neighborhood, serving as temporary housing for evacuees from Kibbutz Nir Oz, an emotional memorial ceremony was held. Emily Damari, who returned to her family after 471 days in captivity, expressed her deep pain and solidarity with the Bibas family in the digital space.

Photo from X network, from the Prime Minister's account