Gaza Return: Body Identified, Not Bibas' Mother Says Israeli Army

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Post on Feb 22, 2025

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Gaza Return: Body Identified, But Not Bibas' Mother, Says Israeli Army – Re-investigation Ordered

GAZA CITY, PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES – The Israeli army has announced the identification of a body repatriated from Gaza as part of a prisoner exchange, but the family of a missing Palestinian woman, whose return was anticipated, vehemently denies the identification. The Israeli military’s statement confirmed the identification of a body, but the family of Rawhiyah Bibas insists that the remains are not hers, prompting a renewed investigation.

The identification was announced late Wednesday, following weeks of intense speculation and emotional appeals from the Bibas family. The body was transferred to Israeli authorities by Hamas during a recent prisoner swap, sparking hope within the Bibas family. Rawhiyah Bibas disappeared in 1948 during the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and her case has become a powerful symbol of the unresolved issues from that era for many Palestinians. The Israeli army, initially confident in their identification process, now faces increased scrutiny following the family’s rejection.

“We have received confirmation of the identification from our forensic experts,” an Israeli military spokesperson stated in a press release. The statement detailed the methods used for identification, including DNA analysis and comparative analysis of dental records. However, the spokesperson declined to provide specific details, citing security and privacy concerns.

In contrast, the Bibas family maintains a steadfast denial. Family members, speaking to several international news outlets, expressed their profound disappointment and suspicion. They claim several physical characteristics and details do not match their long-held memories and descriptions of Rawhiyah. "This is not my mother," asserted [Name of Bibas family member, Relationship to Rawhiyah], speaking tearfully at a press conference organized outside the family home in Gaza. “The details the army has given us are incomplete and unconvincing. We demand a transparent and thorough re-examination by independent international experts.”

This public dispute has cast a shadow over what was intended to be a moment of closure for families affected by the long-running conflict. The exchange of bodies and prisoners is a rare occurrence, often laden with political symbolism. This instance has now highlighted the challenges and sensitivities involved in such procedures, particularly when dealing with remains that are decades old, significantly decayed, or otherwise difficult to positively identify.

The Israeli army’s response to the family’s claims is to conduct a full re-investigation. The military spokesperson confirmed that international forensic experts will be invited to participate in the re-examination. The spokesperson emphasized the army’s commitment to finding and returning the remains of all missing persons, regardless of nationality or background.

The situation remains deeply sensitive, especially given the ongoing political tensions between Israel and Palestine. The family's public challenge to the military’s official account has the potential to escalate tensions, underscoring the complexities of reconciliation and truth-seeking in the aftermath of decades of conflict. The outcome of the re-investigation and the Bibas family’s acceptance or continued rejection of the identification will be closely watched by both sides, and further complicate already tense diplomatic relations. The timeline for the re-investigation remains unclear, leaving the Bibas family and the wider public in a state of anxious uncertainty.