Israel’s UN ambassador slams Hamas’ ‘evil and depraved’ display of hostages’ coffins

The Return of the Bodies: A Painful Conclusion to a 500-Day Ordeal

More than 500 days after being taken hostage, the bodies of Shiri Bibas, her two young sons Kfir and Ariel, and Oded Lifshitz were finally returned to Israel. The four had been held captive by Hamas, which continued to show blatant disregard for human dignity even in death. The remains of the four Israelis were placed in coffins and displayed at a ceremony that sparked widespread outrage. The event featured a grotesque caricature of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a banner that read, "The war criminal Netanyahu & his Nazi army killed them with missiles from Zionist warplanes." This blatant act of propaganda and disrespect was universally condemned, with many calling it a cruel and dehumanizing stunt.

The Twisted Ceremony: A Display of Cruelty and Propaganda

The ceremony organized by Hamas was a shocking display of cruelty and propaganda. The coffins, allegedly containing the remains of the four Israelis, were paraded on stage in front of a caricature of Netanyahu and a banner that blamed Israel for their deaths. On the coffin said to hold the remains of Shiri Bibas, a photo of the young mother was placed alongside the words "arrest date" and the date of the October 7 attacks. This twisted display was a clear attempt to distort reality and shift blame away from Hamas, which had held the hostages for over a year. The ceremony was widely condemned, with many accusing Hamas of using the bodies of the deceased as tools for propaganda.

The International Community’s Weak Response

The United Nations, through its Geneva branch, issued a statement condemning the ceremony and reminding Hamas of its obligations under international law. The statement, attributed to High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, emphasized the need to respect the dignity of the deceased and their families. However, the condemnation rang hollow for many, particularly in Israel, who pointed out the UN’s consistent failure to strongly condemn Hamas by name. Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon called the ceremony "evil and depraved," and criticized the international community for its reluctance to hold Hamas accountable. Danon also highlighted the UN’s hypocrisy, noting that while it condemned the display, it had failed to demand the immediate return of the hostages during their 16-month captivity.

The Bibas Family: A Symbol of Hamas’ Brutality

Shiri Bibas, her sons Kfir and Ariel, and Oded Lifshitz became symbols of Hamas’ brutality after their abduction on October 7, 2023. The image of Shiri, a terrified mother clutching her young children, including a 4-year-old and a 9-month-old, quickly spread around the world, shocking people and drawing attention to the plight of the hostages. The Bibas family’s story is one of immense suffering, as they were torn from their home and subjected to unimaginable horrors. Yarden Bibas, Shiri’s husband and the father of Kfir and Ariel, was taken captive separately and was only released from Gaza on February 1. The return of the bodies of his loved ones marked a painful conclusion to their ordeal, but the trauma inflicted by Hamas will linger for years to come.

Moving Toward Healing: The Ceasefire and Hostage Release

In addition to the bodies of the Bibas family and Oded Lifshitz, Israel is preparing to receive six living hostages as part of an ongoing ceasefire deal with Hamas. The release of the living hostages offers a glimmer of hope for the families of those still held captive, though the trauma of their ordeal will undoubtedly be long-lasting. The ceasefire has brought a measure of stability to the region, but the psychological and emotional wounds inflicted by the past 500 days will take time to heal. For the Bibas family, the return of their loved ones’ remains brings closure, but also a reminder of the brutality they endured.

The Bigger Picture: The UN’s Role and the Fight for Justice

The aftermath of the hostage crisis has raised serious questions about the role of the United Nations in addressing human rights abuses and terrorism. Volker Türk, the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights, has been criticized for his failure to strongly condemn Hamas and for his perceived bias against Israel. Anne Bayefsky, a human rights expert, accused Türk of using his position to perpetrate evil, stating that he has "blood on his hands." Meanwhile, UN Watch, a watchdog organization, has called for Türk’s resignation, citing his obsession with condemning Israel while ignoring atrocities committed by other regimes. The incident has also sparked calls for the United States to withdraw from the UN, with lawmakers arguing that the organization has become ineffective and biased.

The return of the bodies of Shiri Bibas, her sons, and Oded Lifshitz is a painful reminder of the brutality of Hamas and the failure of the international community to hold the terrorist organization accountable. The ceremony organized by Hamas was a despicable display of disrespect, and the UN’s weak response has only added to the outrage. The Bibas family’s story is a testament to the human cost of the conflict, and the ongoing ceasefire offers a small measure of hope. However, the incident also highlights the need for the international community to take a stronger stance against terrorism and to hold organizations like Hamas accountable for their actions. The fight for justice and human rights continues, and it is one that requires courage, integrity, and a commitment to truth.