From BBC News.

"The hearts of an entire nation lie in tatters” said Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, as the bodies of four hostages taken alive by Hamas in its attack on 7 October 2023 were returned to Tel Aviv.

Hamas said they were the remains of a mother and two children from the Bibas family, whose fate has gripped Israel. The news that Shiri Bibas and her sons, who would now be aged five and two, were dead triggered an outpouring of grief across the country. Israel has confirmed the identity of the fourth body – Oded Lifschitz, 84, a veteran peace activist – after a forensic examination.

Hamas claimed in November 2023 that the Bibas family had been killed in an Israeli air strike, without providing evidence. The Israeli government not confirmed the claim.

It is the first time Hamas has returned captives dead since the ceasefire began. Following Hamas’s handover of the four bodies, thousands of Israelis gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv and observed a minute’s silence.

Clive Myrie presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Paul Adams in Tel Aviv.

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