Family of Israeli Infant Who Has Been a Hamas Hostage for 'One-Fifth' of His Life Demands His Release

The family of Kfir Bibas, a 10-month-old Israeli infant who has spent nearly one-fifth of his life in captivity with Hamas, has called for his release. Kfir was abducted from his home in a kibbutz in southern Israel on October 7, when Palestinian militants from Gaza launched an attack on Israel. He is among approximately 240 individuals taken hostage by Hamas and other Palestinian fighters during the assault. According to the Associated Press, Kfir is the youngest person taken hostage during the October 7 attack, alongside his 4-year-old brother. Around 30 children were taken hostage during the Hamas attack and forcibly brought to Gaza. Under the current temporary ceasefire agreement, Hamas is supposed to release women, children, and teenagers, but Kfir is not on the list of those expected to be freed. With his red hair and toothless smile, Kfir's plight has become a symbol of Hamas's brutal attack for many. Given that many child hostages have been released previously, the immediate release of Kfir and his 4-year-old brother, Ariel, has now become an important demand among Israelis. A demonstration in support of the Bibas family was held on Tuesday in Tel Aviv. Elon Keshet, a relative of Kfir, told reporters on Tuesday that it is unprecedented for a 9-month-old to be kidnapped. He asked, 'Is Kfir, who is just an infant, an enemy of Hamas?' Shortly after the Hamas attack, a video was released showing Kfir and Ariel next to their terrified mother, surrounded by armed men speaking Arabic. Their father, Yarden, who was also taken hostage, is seen injured in photos. The Bibas family states that they have received no signs of Kfir's well-being and are concerned about how such an infant could survive for such a long time in captivity. Hamas and Israel agreed on Monday in indirect negotiations to extend the ceasefire for two more days (until Wednesday) and to release more hostages. Naftali Bennett, former Prime Minister of Israel, has taken Kfir's image to various international media outlets, presenting it in front of cameras. Yoav Gallant, Israel's Defense Minister, also referenced him in a press conference, raising the question of who is taking care of him. Iranian officials have expressed satisfaction with the October 7 attack by Hamas and other Palestinian militants on southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the kidnapping of around 240 individuals. The United States, the European Union, Japan, and Israel have designated Hamas, in whole or in part, as a terrorist organization.