Hamas released four bodies, including the youngest captive taken in the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack, Kfir Bibas, and his brother.

Ariel and Kfir Bibas — two of the youngest hostages held in Gaza — became a symbol for Israelis of the brutality of Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack. The return of what are presumed to be their bodies on Thursday dashed hopes they had survived captivity and struck another blow to a nation still reeling from Hamas' assault.

JERUSALEM — The remains of a mother of two young boys who were taken to Gaza together at the start of the Israel-Hamas war have been returned to Israel, bringing the total closer to the 33 hostages supposed to be released under the ceasefire that started last month.