What happened to the Bibas family and why have they become symbolic in Israel?

The Bibas family, among the first dead hostages being returned to Israel since the ceasefire, includes Shiri Bibas, her husband Yar Den (who was released earlier this month in an emaciated state), and their two young sons - four-year-old Ariel and nine-month-old Kaffir, who were the youngest hostages taken during the October 7 Hamas attack. The Bibas boys have become iconic symbols across Israel representing the brutality of the Hamas attack. Their tragedy has deeply resonated with Israeli society, embodying the humanitarian crisis that followed the October 7 events. Their story gained particular prominence because of the children's young ages and the shocking nature of their abduction.