Amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, US President Joe Biden has called for an end to the war, citing hope for a potential ceasefire agreement. His remarks came after reports surfaced that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) had recovered several bodies from Gaza, including that of a dual Israeli-American citizen, Hersh Goldberg-Polin. While exiting a church in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Biden acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the identities of the bodies found, urging people to wait for confirmation and notification of their families. “It’s time this war ended. We should end this war. I think we’re on the verge of having an agreement,” he said.
Biden expressed devastation and outrage over the death of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, noting that six bodies were recovered from a tunnel beneath Rafah. He offered his condolences to the victim’s parents, Jon and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, stating, “I have worked tirelessly to bring their beloved Hersh safely to them and am heartbroken by the news of his death. It is as tragic as it is reprehensible. Make no mistake, Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes. And we will keep working around the clock for a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages.”
Following the news, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum issued a statement condemning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of abandoning the hostages and calling for nationwide protests. “Netanyahu abandoned the hostages. Now it’s a fact,” the group declared, urging the public to prepare for demonstrations. Families of the hostages gathered for an emergency meeting at the group’s headquarters to plan for a demonstration scheduled for Sunday.
The parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin confirmed their son’s death, sharing a heartbreaking statement on Facebook. “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 wrote. Goldberg-Polin, a California native, was taken hostage while attempting to escape terrorists who infiltrated the Nova music festival. He sustained injuries during the attacks, including the loss of his hand in a grenade blast, and later appeared in a Hamas propaganda video in April.
As the situation unfolds, the international community continues to express concern and urge a resolution to the conflict. President Biden’s call for an end to the war, coupled with the families’ demands for action, highlights the urgency of finding a peaceful solution to this ongoing crisis.
