10-Month-Old Among Gaza's Captive or Missing Children: A Heart-Wrenching Reality
Kfir Bibas, a 10-month-old, remains held captive or missing in Gaza His innocent face and fiery red hair represent the profound anguish endured by families affected by Israel's hostage crisis
Kfir Bibas, only 10 months old, has already spent over a fifth of his young life in captivity. His innocent face and bright red hair serve as a poignant reminder of the suffering endured by hostage families in Israel. It has been over 50 days since he was taken by Hamas militants from his home in southern Israel, and Kfir's family is no closer to knowing if he is safe or even alive.
"We are extremely concerned about him," said Eylon Keshet, a cousin of the family, while speaking to CNN and holding a photo of the baby boy. "We are unsure if he will be able to survive. Every day he remains there poses a significant threat to his life."
Kfir, his four-year-old brother Ariel, their mother, Shiri, and presumably their father Yarden were all abducted from Nir Oz, an Israeli kibbutz that suffered a devastating attack by Hamas militants on October 7. The assailants killed over a quarter of the community and captured many others, as they shot at people's homes, looted, and destroyed whatever they could.
Ariel Bibas, 4, was kidnapped from his home in southern Israel by Hamas militants on October 7.
Yosi Shnaider
Hamas killed over 1,200 people in southern Israel that day, the deadliest terror attack since the country's establishment in 1948, with most of the victims being civilians.
The Bibas family's abduction was captured in a video that became one of the most poignant moments of the day. Shiri, terrified, held onto her children as Hamas militants surrounded her, while her son Ariel continued sucking his pacifier. Despite the danger, the children remained silent and did not cry as their shaken mother, wrapped in a blanket, recounted that their grandparents had been killed in the attack.
The boy's father was reportedly struck by a hammer, according to his sister, but there is no update on his current whereabouts or condition. Yarden's cousin, Keshet, mentioned that the family suspects Yarden has been separated from his wife and children based on videos they have viewed. "It's incomprehensible that this situation is allowed to continue," Keshet stated. "It's inhumane and terrifying."
Hamas is reported to have detained over 200 hostages in Gaza before the negotiated releases with Israel. According to the breakthrough ceasefire agreement, batches of Israeli citizens and other foreigners - primarily women and children, as stipulated by the terms of the agreement - have been liberated daily since last Friday.
From left, Noam Or and Alma Or.
Hostages Missing Families Forum
After being released from Hamas captivity, two teenage siblings were devastated to learn that their mother had been murdered. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in the West Bank, over 14,800 Palestinians, including 6,000 children, have been killed in Gaza since Israel initiated its offensive in response to the Hamas terror attacks on October 7. These figures were collected from Hamas-run health authorities in the Gaza Strip.
Israel has released Palestinian women and children detainees as part of the truce deal, many of whom have never been charged or sentenced.
The initial four-day truce was extended by an additional two days on Monday as stories from the families of freed hostages began to emerge, providing the first insights into life in captivity.
Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Daniel Hagari clarified on Monday that the Bibas family is not currently being held hostage by Hamas, adding to the complexity of the release efforts. In addition to Hamas, other militant groups such as Palestinian Islamic Jihad also operate in Gaza.
Names of Kfir, Ariel, and Shira have not been included in the list of hostages set to be released. Around eight children are still in captivity by Hamas, and their photographs have stirred a grieving nation demanding their safe return.
Shiri Bibas with her husband Yarden.
Yosi Shnaider
More than 100 individuals assembled in Tel Aviv on Tuesday to release orange balloons into the sky in tribute to the two Bibas boys and their mother, according to agency pictures.
The tender age of Kfir has resonated with Israelis, evoking deep sorrow. The infant was still being bottle-fed and had not yet transitioned to eating solid foods when he was taken.
"He needs baby formula," Keshet said tearfully, expressing the family's deep concern for Ariel's health. "Ariel is fragile and has multiple medical conditions," he explained. "He has a skin condition that requires regular treatment. Despite his health challenges, he is a vibrant child who adores cars and tractors."
Shiri's cousin, Yifat Zailer, has described the past days and nights as "emotional and stressful." "The small glimmer of hope we have is what keeps us going," she shared with CNN. "We are desperately pleading for the release of our family."
Zailer hopes to see her family's names on the list of hostages to be released every day.
"It's heart-wrenching to think about the 10-month-old baby still being held captive. His life is in danger. No child should be used as a bargaining chip," she said, her face appearing tired and her eyes filled with sorrow.
"Hopefully, this will come to an end soon, and we can find a way to begin repairing our completely shattered life here."
Reporting contributed by CNN's Kaitlan Collins, Yom Pomrenze, Lotte Beilin, Lauren Izso, and Jessie Gretener.
