War Day 503: Four Hostage Bodies Returned, Trump Cuts PA Funding

War Summary, Day 502-503: Four hostage bodies returned in depraved Hamas ceremony, Gazan drone smuggling attempt prevented, Hamas terrorists preparing for return to war, terror weapon smugglers in Samaria eliminated, Trump administration cuts all funding for the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) security forces as part of its recent international aid cuts, Hezbollah supporters approach fence, and Malaysia concerned Trump will impose tariffs over their support for Hamas.

By Mrs. Bruria Efune

69 held captive in Gaza.
36 hostages confirmed murdered held in Gaza.
141 living hostages rescued.
45 hostage bodies rescued.
1,825 Israelis killed.
413 fallen soldiers and police in the battle in Gaza.
87 fallen soldiers in Northern Israel.
18 fallen soldiers and police in Judea & Samaria.
30,683 estimated projectiles fired at Israel.
70,000 Israelis displaced from their homes.
1 Jewish nation united in prayer, charity, and good deeds.

Top Headlines:

– Four hostage bodies returned in depraved Hamas ceremony
– Gazan drone smuggling attempt prevented
– Hamas terrorists preparing for return to war
– Terror weapon smugglers in Samaria eliminated
– Hezbollah supporters approach fence
– Malaysia concerned Trump will impose tariffs over their support for Hamas

Hostages:

Hamas are currently handing over the bodies of four hostages whom they brutally kidnapped from their homes, and then murdered in captivity.

Proving their depravity even further, Hamas is parading the coffins of the hostages on a stage, which is decorated with bloodthirsty Hamas propaganda. Hundreds of Gazans have gathered to watch. Israeli media are boycotting the display, and not broadcasting it.

Oded Lifshitz, 84, was one of the founders of Kibbutz Nir Oz. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (a Hamas partner) took Oded and his wife Yocheved from their homes on October 7th. During the abduction, Oded was shot in his hand, and Yocheved was ripped from her oxygen tank and pulled from her bed. Yocheved was returned after two weeks in captivity as part of a humanitarian plea (which should have brought all the hostages home). The last signs of life for Oded came in November 2023. It is unknown when Hamas killed him, and whether by neglect and abuse, or otherwise.

Oded was considered a grandfather of the kibbutz, who everyone turned to for wise advice and genuine care. He was a prominent peace activist who used to help Gazans obtain visas to Israel for healthcare, and drive them to appointments.

Shiri Bibas, 32, was taken hostage with her babies, Kfir who was 9 months old, and Ariel who was four years old. The family was taken from their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz by Gazan civillians, who then handed them over to the Kataeb Al-Mujahidin terror group. Yarden Bibas, the husband of Shiri and father of the children, was held separately, and was recently released from captivity without his family.

Despite being taken hostage by civilians, and being small children, there is no known attempt of any Gazan civilian to help the Bibas family, or even give leads to their location. It is still unknown when and how the family was killed by their captors.

In Jewish tradition, people who were killed for being Jewish are called “kedoshim,” or “holy ones.” The hostages were tragically killed only because of the Jewish soul inside of them, and together with all of their good deeds, that is what will shine forever.

Upon receiving the bodies of the kedoshim, the IDF will hold a short ceremony to pay respects, and then their bodies will be brought to the Abu Kabir forensic institute for identification. The identification process could take up to 48 hours, depending on the condition of the bodies.

Gaza:

The IDF carried out an airstrike near Rafah, targeting a smuggling group. The group, most likely Hamas, received a drone which was flown into Gaza by Arab smugglers in Israel. Israel tracked the drone through the entire journey before targeting its collectors. Local media reports several casualties. This has already happened several times in recent weeks. These drones try local carry either weapons or drugs.

Hamas has been spotted around Gaza, especially near the buffer zone, digging holes. They are likely preparing spots to place mines once the ceasefire ends.

Judea & Samaria:

Undercover border police of the smuggling-prevention unit, eliminated three terrorists during a smuggling operation in Samaria. The three were shot, and two others were eliminated. Components of an assault rifle and other weapons were found hidden on location. Terrorists in Judea and Samaria frequently smuggle weapons in from Jordan, with whom Israel has a very flimsy border, not entirely covered by a low and thin fence. The Jordanian kingdom protests any Israeli effort to fortify the border.

The Trump administration cut all funding for the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) security forces as part of its recent international aid cuts. The PA security forces are known for both arresting terrorists who are threats to the PA, and producing and arming their own terrorists. The current Israeli government views the threat from the PA to be the same as from Hamas, primarily due to their weakness, and long-term desire to take all of Israel.

Lebanon:

On Wednesday the IDF used a drone strike to eliminate a Hezbollah terrorist in southern Lebanon who was identified handling weapons, in a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement.

IDF troops fired warning shots in the Kafr Kila area in southern Lebanon to disperse a group of Hezbollah-supporters who gathered close to the Israeli border.

Other:

– Defense Minister Israel Katz appointed outgoing IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Amir Baram as the next director general of the Defense Ministry.

Baram is known for having a conflicting view with his superior on several issues, particularly in his strong opposition to withdrawing from the Philadelphi Corridor. Baram also raised questions over Egypt’s role in smuggling weapons into Gaza over the years.

– According to a Bloomberg report, senior Malaysian officials have advised Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to tone down his anti-Israel rhetoric and support of Hamas. The officials are concerned that US President Trump will impose significant tariffs on Malaysia that will hurt it.
It is an interesting development that a Muslim country is concerned about showing support for Hamas, out of fear of Trump.

Babies, elderly, and a young mother are no threat to anyone. The four “kedoshim” were killed only because of their Jewish soul inside. As their souls shine strong in Heaven, let’s honor them by shining our own souls in return.

This update is dedicated anonymously as a thank you to Bruria for keeping us updated throughout this gruelling war. May our hostages come home quickly, and may Hamas surrender so that our boys don’t have to return to war