An American citizen kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7 massacre is among six hostages whose bodies have been recovered by Israel, President Biden said.
Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, was found in a tunnel beneath the Gazan city of Rafah on Saturday, 10 months after his abduction in the atrocity that killed 1,200 people.
Israeli officials said it took “many hours” to identify the remains of the three men and three women found, Axios reported.
Goldberg-Polin was at the Nova music festival when Hamas terrorists began slaughtering festival-goers and taking others hostage.
He lost his arm in the massacre.
Israeli officials could not confirm how or when Goldberg-Polin was killed. Officials said at least some of the recovered hostages were still alive in recent months.
Biden announced the tragic news Saturday night, saying, “I am devastated and furious.
‘Hersh was one of the innocent people brutally attacked at a music festival for peace in Israel on October 7.
“He lost his arm helping friends and strangers during the Hamas massacre.”
Hersh Goldberg-Polin is one of six hostages whose bodies were recovered Saturday. He was among the victims taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7 massacre
Goldberg-Polin’s family also released a statement about the death.
It is with broken hearts and sadness that the Goldberg-Polin family announces the passing of their beloved son and brother, Hersh.
The family thanks you all for your love and support and asks for privacy at this time.
Just last month, Goldberg-Polin’s parents Jon and Rachel spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, advocating for their son’s safe return.
Rachel said through her tears, “Hersh, if you can hear us, we love you. Stay strong and survive.”
After Saturday’s recovery operation, 101 hostages kidnapped by Hamas are still in Gaza.
Goldberg-Polin was last seen alive in a video released by Hamas in April.
A group representing the families of hostages has condemned the Israeli prime minister after accusing him of sabotaging a rescue operation.
The headquarters of the Hostage Families Forum reported that Netanyahu’s call for full Israeli control over part of the Egypt-Gaza border has hampered rescue efforts for their loved ones.
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