President Joe Biden has confirmed that the bodies of six hostages, kidnapped by Palestinian militants during their brutal attack on Israel on October 7, have been found in the Gaza Strip.
Among the victims is Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a 23-year-old Israeli-American citizen who was among those abducted during the deadly assault. The discovery was reported by AFP and marks a tragic turn in the ongoing crisis.
Speaking from the White House, President Biden expressed his devastation and outrage over the tragic deaths, emphasizing that the leaders of Hamas will be held accountable for these heinous crimes.
He reiterated the U.S. government’s unwavering commitment to securing the release of the remaining hostages, some of whom are still believed to be held in Gaza under harrowing conditions.
The bodies were discovered by Israeli forces in a tunnel under the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
The retrieval of these hostages’ remains highlights the dangers of the ongoing conflict, where Hamas militants have used an extensive network of tunnels to hide and protect their operations.
The victims’ remains were subsequently transported back to Israel, where authorities confirmed their identities, offering some closure to the families anxiously awaiting news.
One of the deceased was Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was kidnapped while attending a music festival in Israel on October 7.
In an address, President Biden praised Hersh’s bravery during the massacre, noting that the young man had lost his arm while helping others during the chaos that unfolded at the festival.
Biden also spoke emotionally about Hersh’s parents, John and Rachel, commending their tireless advocacy for their son and other hostages throughout the crisis.
“Hersh showed unimaginable courage,” Biden remarked. “He fought to protect those around him in the face of unspeakable terror. Our hearts are with his parents, John and Rachel, and all the families who are suffering unimaginable loss.”
The attack on October 7, launched by Hamas militants, saw 251 people taken hostage and forcibly brought into Gaza.
Since then, Israeli forces have been conducting military operations to locate and rescue hostages, even as the conflict escalates. The Israeli military confirmed the recovery of the six bodies, a grim reminder of the human toll of the conflict.
TASS, the Russian state news agency, also reported that one of the deceased was a Russian citizen. This has added an international dimension to the tragedy, highlighting the widespread impact of the crisis.
The family of Hersh Goldberg-Polin issued a statement following the announcement of his death, expressing deep sorrow and gratitude for the support they received during their agonizing wait.
They requested privacy during this difficult time as they mourn the loss of their son, while still standing in solidarity with other families awaiting news of their loved ones.
As the conflict continues, the U.S. and other global powers have reiterated calls for de-escalation and the protection of civilians. Meanwhile, efforts to rescue the remaining hostages are ongoing, with hopes that more lives can be saved amidst the turmoil.