This is ineffably sad, though of course the killing of any Hamas hostage is ineffably sad. But in this case, as reported by Reuters, the three hostages, said to be killed by Israeli bombardment, included the youngest one, ten months old.
The armed wing of Palestinian militant group Hamas said on Wednesday that 10-month-old child Kfir Bibas, his 4-year-old brother and their mother were killed in previous Israeli bombardment of the Gaza strip.
The Israeli army said it is checking the claim by Al Qassam Brigades. Reuters could not immediately independently verify the claim.
Let’s hope the statement is wrong. As reader Jez said when he heard this on the BBC, “I smell a rat.” If the trio were killed previously, why did Hamas wait to announce it until now? My own guess, which I hope is wrong (I’m hoping they’re alive, as Hamas has reported deaths wrongly), is that if this is true, the baby died of other causes and then Hamas killed the rest of the family to prevent this disclosure. Having the bodies can give us clues.
This is so sad and nauseating. And I suspect you are right, Jerry, about how they died if dead. I’m angry and in tears. It’s hard to imagine that they won’t be killed now if they are alive given the propaganda by Hamas. I feel sick. Israel can’t stop until Hamas is eliminated.
(Ceiling Cat, it’s too unbearably sad.
So, I saw a heartwarming tweet yesterday and wanted to pass on to you: https://x.com/AvivaKlompas/status/1729457197703135388?s=20)
That’s a lovely image, Roz.
+1
Life clings to life.