Hamas to Release More Hostages This Week

Stand for Israel  |  February 18, 2025

While we rejoice over the return of more hostages from Gaza, this week brings some sad news – not all of them will be returning alive. For months, Israel has pushed for the return of all the hostages, living or dead, back home to Israel – so families can reunite or finally put loved ones to rest. This week, 10 more hostages are set to return home, with only six of them coming home alive on Saturday:

Under the original agreement with Hamas, only three hostages were scheduled to go free on Saturday, and the remaining three a week later. Since US President Donald Trump called for all Israeli hostages to go free by last Saturday — a deadline that has come and gone — Israel has been pushing hard to get all six out as early as possible.

But four of the hostages won’t be returning alive. In the most heartbreaking news from The Times of Israel, we learn that Hamas has stated – yet we still don’t know for sure – that this includes members of the Bibas family:

The Bibas family in Israel said it is “in turmoil” after Hamas’s announcement. However, the family stressed that it has not yet received an official update from Israeli authorities confirming that their loved ones are no longer alive.

“Until we receive definitive confirmation, our journey is not over,” the family said.

It’s difficult to process this horrific news. We ask you to pray with us for all the hostages – some still in captivity, some who’ve returned but are healing from trauma – and for the loved ones of those who have passed away. They need us now more than ever. May God will be with them, and provide them with comfort, love, and peace.