Hamas has released a video of American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was captured along with several others at the Nova Music Festival near the border of Gaza. Goldberg-Polin, who is seen in the video missing his left arm below the elbow, says he has been abandoned by the Israeli government for almost 200 days.
In the video, Goldberg-Polin criticizes the ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which he says has killed 70 hostages like him. He calls on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government to be ashamed of themselves for neglecting the hostages. The video is likely propaganda, intended to pressure Israel into making a deal with Hamas instead of continuing its military operations.
The Israeli government believes that 33 of the remaining 129 hostages in Gaza are dead. The ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which has been ongoing for over 200 days, has killed over 34,000 Palestinians and resulted in the rescue of only three hostages.
Goldberg-Polin’s parents have released a statement expressing relief that he is alive but concerns about his health and well-being. They have appealed to all parties involved in the negotiations to secure their son’s release.
Hersh Goldberg-Polin is a high-profile hostage in Jerusalem, where murals and banners can be found across the city wishing for his safe return.
