The mother of two released Israeli hostages reveals the story of Yahya Sinwar’s rescue the hostage Yarden Bibas

Silvia Cuneo, the mother of David and Ariel Cuneo, who were released from Hamas captivity, recounted how Yahya Sinwar saved the life of hostage Yarden Bibas after the latter was informed that his entire family had been killed.

Sylvia said in an interview with the Israeli Channel 12 that former Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, visited hostage Yarden Bibas after informing him of the deaths of his wife, Sheri, and his two sons, Kfir and Ariel.

Sylvia added: “After David’s wife and daughters were released and separated from him, a moment even the militants said broke their hearts, David was taken to the tunnels”.

She continued, “When Yarden Bibas learned that his family had been killed, Sinwar came to him and asked, ‘What can I do for you?’ Yarden replied that he wanted to be with his close friend, David Cuneo… Sinwar then ordered that he be transferred to him, and this saved his life, because all the adults from Kibbutz Nir Oz who were there were killed”.

Sylvia revealed that Yarden Bibas and David Cuneo met for the first time since their release on Thursday, in a touching encounter during which they hugged nonstop.

She noted that David was the one who introduced Yarden to his late wife, Sheri… “My sons are in a recovery phase and it is difficult for them to deal with a large number of people,” Sylvia said.

She recounted the surprising moment she received a call from her sons last Monday before their return to Israel.

“I answered the phone and suddenly saw David and Ariel with Hamas members,” she said.

“It was an indescribable moment of joy, an exceptional meeting in every sense of the word,” she added.

She said that Ariel had been held alone for two years, while David was held with others.

The two brothers only met hours before their release, with neither knowing what had happened to the other.