Israel Retrieves Bodies of Six Hostages, Including Israeli American

The Israeli military reported the recovery of six hostages’ bodies in Gaza, including that of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a well-known figure whose plight drew significant public attention as his parents campaigned for his release during the lengthy conflict.

According to military officials, these individuals were reportedly killed by Hamas just before Israeli forces reached them in Rafah, where they had been held in an underground tunnel. The spokesperson for the Israeli military, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, confirmed the identities of the deceased as Goldberg-Polin, Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Almog Sarusi, and Alex Lobanov. Their remains were transported back to Israel for identification prior to notifying their families.

Hersh Goldberg-Polin, originally from Berkeley, California, was abducted during the Hamas assault on October 7 while attending a music festival in southern Israel. His case became emblematic of the mass kidnappings that occurred that day, which involved approximately 250 people taken and brought back into Gaza.

Goldberg-Polin’s parents made a heartfelt appearance at the Democratic National Convention last month, advocating for a hostage-release agreement. Following the confirmation of their son’s death, the family released a statement expressing their devastation. “With broken hearts, the Goldberg-Polin family is devastated to announce the death of their beloved son and brother, Hersh. The family thanks you all for your love and support and asks for privacy at this time,” they said.

The recovery of these bodies has intensified demands for a cease-fire and negotiations for the release of hostages as the war enters its tenth month. Negotiations involving Israel, Hamas, and international mediators have been ongoing but progress remains slow.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced criticism, with some blaming him for the failure to secure the hostages’ safe return. Following the discovery of the bodies, he stated that Hamas would “pay the price” for these deaths. He asserted, “We will not rest, nor will be silent. We will pursue you, we will find you and we will settle accounts with you,” adding a stark warning that, “Whoever murders hostages does not want a deal.”

Netanyahu also stated that efforts to secure the release of hostages are ongoing, accusing Hamas of lacking commitment to genuine negotiations.

Hamas has proposed releasing hostages in exchange for a halt to the conflict, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the release of certain Palestinian prisoners. An official from Hamas claimed that had Israel accepted a proposed cease-fire plan backed by the U.S. in July, the hostages would still be alive.

President Biden expressed his deep sorrow and anger upon learning of Goldberg-Polin’s death. He stated, “I know all Americans tonight will have them in their prayers, just as Jill and I will,” and noted that he had worked tirelessly to ensure the safe return of Goldberg-Polin. “It is as tragic as it is reprehensible,” he added, affirming that, “Make no mistake, Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes.”

Vice President Harris extended her condolences and emphasized the necessity to eliminate the Hamas threat to Israel.

Hamas’s assault on October 7 resulted in the deaths of over 1,100 individuals, in addition to the hostage situation, which ignited the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In response, Israel’s military actions have resulted in the deaths of more than 40,000 Palestinians since the beginning of October, as reported by local health officials.

Source: Associated Press