The death of six Israeli hostages, whose bodies were recovered by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) from Gaza on Saturday, has drawn sharp condemnation from US Vice President Kamala Harris. In a statement, Harris declared that Hamas “must be eliminated” and cannot be allowed to control Gaza. She also extended condolences to the family of Israeli-US national Hersch Goldberg-Polin, one of the hostages found during the recent search.
The IDF identified the slain hostages as Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, Eden Yerushalmi, 24, Ori Danino, 25, Alex Lubnov, 32, Carmel Gat, 40, and Almog Sarusi, 25. According to the IDF, they were murdered by Hamas shortly before their bodies were discovered in a tunnel in Rafah.
Harris, emphasizing the safety of Americans as her “top priority,” stated that President Biden and she are “committed to freeing the Americans and all those held hostage in Gaza.” She went on to condemn Hamas’s actions, stating, “Hamas is an evil terrorist organization. With these murders, Hamas has even more American blood on its hands. I strongly condemn Hamas’ continued brutality, and so must the entire world. From its massacre of 1,200 people to sexual violence, taking of hostages, and these murders, Hamas’ depravity is evident and horrifying.”
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden called for an end to the ongoing conflict, remarking, “It’s time this war ended. We should end this war. I think we’re on the verge of having an agreement.” He expressed his condolences to the Goldberg-Polin family, adding, “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.”
The news of the hostages’ deaths sparked outrage among their families, leading the Hostages and Missing Families Forum to issue a statement criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and calling for demonstrations across the country. The forum accused Netanyahu of abandoning the hostages, stating, “Netanyahu abandoned the hostages. Now it’s a fact. Starting tomorrow the country will tremble, we are calling on the public to prepare.” The families of the hostages gathered for an emergency meeting and planned to hold a demonstration on Sunday, demanding action from the government.
The IDF Spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, confirmed that the six hostages were “brutally murdered” by Hamas shortly before troops arrived. “According to an initial assessment… they were brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists a short while before we reached them. They were abducted alive on the morning of October 7 by the Hamas terror group,” he explained at a press conference.
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid accused the Netanyahu administration of neglecting the hostages’ safety, stating, “Instead of making a deal they are doing politics, instead of saving lives, they are burying the hostages. Instead of doing everything to bring them home, [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu is doing everything to stay in power. The government of disasters is burying the State of Israel.”
Following this incident, the number of live hostages in Gaza is estimated at 97, out of the 251 abducted on October 7. The IDF has confirmed the deaths of at least 33 hostages. Hamas released 105 civilians during a weeklong truce in late November, and four hostages were released prior to that. The ongoing conflict continues to cast a shadow over the region, with both sides facing immense pressure to resolve the situation and bring an end to the suffering.
