Fri Feb 21 13:26:10 UTC 2025: ## Ceasefire in Question After Hamas Releases Wrong Body

**Jerusalem, February 21, 2025** – The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is teetering on the brink of collapse following the revelation that a body handed over by Hamas was not that of Shiri Bibas, an Israeli mother of two, as promised. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed “revenge” for this “cruel and malicious violation” of the agreement.

The body, one of four released Thursday as part of the ongoing hostage exchange, was identified as belonging to an unidentified Palestinian woman. While the remains of Shiri Bibas’s two sons and another hostage, Oded Lifshitz, were confirmed, the incorrect handover has sparked outrage in Israel. Netanyahu declared that Hamas will “pay the full price” for the deception.

Hamas, in response, claimed a possible mix-up of remains due to Israeli bombing in the area where the hostages were held. They insisted they have “no interest in retaining any bodies” and remain committed to the ceasefire agreement. The group rejected Netanyahu’s threats and called on mediators to ensure its continuation.

The incident casts doubt on Saturday’s scheduled release of six more living hostages. U.S. envoy for hostages, Adam Boehler, called the situation “horrific” and a “clear violation” of the agreement, urging Hamas to release all remaining hostages to avoid “total annihilation.”

Adding to the tension, a series of unexplained explosions rocked central Israel overnight, prompting Israel to beef up its forces in the West Bank. This escalation follows months of conflict that has left over 48,000 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, and more than 17,000 fighters dead, according to Israel.

The future of the ceasefire, which began in January, hangs in the balance. Hamas has stated it will not release remaining hostages without a lasting ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal. Netanyahu, backed by the Trump administration, aims to destroy Hamas’ military capabilities while securing the release of all hostages—goals considered mutually exclusive. Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, while welcomed by Netanyahu, is universally rejected by Palestinians and Arab countries, further complicating the situation. The current phase of the ceasefire expires in early March.

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