Netanyahu Vows Retribution After Return of Israeli Hostages' Bodies, Calls for "Settling the Score" with Hamas
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation following the return of four hostages' bodies from Gaza, condemning Hamas and vowing revenge. The situation is complicated by an identification error in one returned body. Tensions rise as this incident, stemming from a ceasefire agreement, could impact ongoing negotiations and regional security.
hassan benyoub 
Jerusalem, Israel – February 21, 2025 – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered his first public remarks on Friday regarding the return of the bodies of four Israeli hostages from Gaza, pledging unity in grief and anger while vowing to exact revenge on Hamas, whom he described as “monsters.” The statement comes amid heightened tensions following a ceasefire agreement that facilitated the release of the remains, though a shocking error in identification has added complexity to the situation.
Key Developments
The bodies of four hostages—Kfir Bibas (a baby), his brother Ariel Bibas (aged 4), their mother Shiri Bibas, and Yossi Livshitz (aged 85)—were returned to Israel as part of a ceasefire deal brokered in January 2025 between Israel and Hamas. However, Israeli authorities later confirmed that one of the bodies was not Shiri Bibas but an unidentified woman, prompting Hamas to investigate a potential mix-up. The Palestinian group attributed the error to the extensive Israeli bombardment, which they claim caused confusion in identifying remains amid the conflict’s devastation.
Netanyahu, addressing the nation, said, “The coffins of our loved ones compel us more than ever to pledge and swear that the events of October 7, 2023, will never happen again. This requires settling the score with the killers.” He added, “Our hearts are broken, but our spirits are unbroken. Together, with God’s help, we will bring back all our hostages, destroy the killers, and eliminate Hamas.”
Context and Tensions
The return of the hostages’ bodies follows Hamas’s surprise attack on October 7, 2023, which triggered a prolonged conflict and the abduction of numerous Israelis. The January 2025 ceasefire aimed to secure the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, but the recent error in identification has fueled outrage and raised questions about the reliability of exchanges. On February 20, Hamas displayed the bodies in Khan Younis, an act Israel described as provocative, further escalating tensions.
The prime minister’s remarks underscore Israel’s resolve to intensify efforts against Hamas, potentially signaling renewed military operations or retaliatory strikes in Gaza. His reference to “settling the score” has drawn international attention, as it could impact ongoing ceasefire negotiations and peace efforts mediated by global actors.
Shocking Revelation: Identification Error
The revelation that one of the returned bodies did not belong to Shiri Bibas has stunned Israeli officials and families, complicating an already emotionally charged situation. Hamas issued a statement acknowledging the mistake, blaming it on the chaos caused by Israel’s intense military campaign, which they say mixed the remains of hostages and Palestinians. This error may delay future negotiations and deepen mistrust between the parties.
Timeline of Events
Date
Event
October 7, 2023
Hamas launches surprise attack on Israel, abducting hostages.
January 2025
Ceasefire agreement begins, releasing hostages and prisoners.
February 20, 2025
Hamas displays hostages’ bodies in Khan Younis, escalating tensions.
February 21, 2025
Israel receives bodies; identification error discovered.
February 21, 2025
Netanyahu vows to “settle the score” with Hamas.
Implications for Regional Security
Netanyahu’s strong stance reflects Israel’s broader strategy to dismantle Hamas’s capabilities and secure the release of remaining hostages, estimated at over 100 still held in Gaza. However, his pledge to “destroy the killers and eliminate Hamas” raises concerns about the potential for renewed violence, which could destabilize the region further. International mediators, including the United States and Qatar, are closely monitoring the situation, fearing a setback in peace efforts.
