Israeli Embassy Lights Up in Orange to Honor Bibas Family Amidst Tensions with Hamas

The Israeli Embassy in New Delhi illuminated orange in tribute to the Bibas family, murdered by Hamas in Gaza. The family was kidnapped on October 7, 2023, and held captive for over 500 days. The embassy's gesture honors the victims and calls for global support against terrorism.

In a poignant tribute, the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi has been illuminated in orange, honoring the Bibas family, who fell victim to Hamas terrorists in Gaza. Shiri Bibas and her young sons, Ariel and Kfir, were seized from their home on October 7, 2023. After over 500 harrowing days in captivity, they were finally laid to rest this week, the embassy reported on Thursday.

The embassy's statement highlighted the gravity of the tragedy: 'The Bibas family were kidnapped from their home on October 7, during Hamas' terrorist strike on Israel, and yesterday, after 500 days in utter captivity, they found their peace in burial.' The embassy hopes this orange illumination stands as a powerful reminder and statement of solidarity, memorializing innocent lives lost. 'Our thoughts are with the father, Yarden Bibas, released recently from captivity, as he faces this immense loss,' the statement further read.

Reuven Azar, Israel's Ambassador to India, voiced deep sadness and anger, pledging to avert future atrocities and seeking global backing against terror. 'On this grievous day, support for the Bibas family resonates worldwide as they inter their loved ones, brutally abducted and killed. We pledge to eliminate Hamas and any terror threats to our people, appealing to our global allies to join us in this struggle against radicalization and terror,' Azar implored.

The embassy reiterated its dedication to justice and efforts to secure the remaining hostages in Gaza. The solidarity and support from India are deeply valued in Israel. Meanwhile, reports from Aljazeera indicate that Hamas has reached a pact to settle Israel's postponed release of 620 Palestinian prisoners, initially due last week.

This comes after Hamas adhered to the ceasefire agreement by liberating six Israeli captives from Gaza. According to Aljazeera, on Wednesday, Hamas confirmed that further exchanges are imminent, with Israel set to release more Palestinian women and children prisoners, while Hamas returns the bodies of four Israeli captives as part of the ceasefire's first phase, involving an exchange of 33 captives, including eight bodies, for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

(With inputs from agencies.)