Biden announces tragic discovery of six deceased hostages in Gaza, among them, the American captive Goldberg-Polin.
A 23-year-old individual was among the 251 individuals captured by militant Palestinians during the incident on October 7th, originating from the southern region of the Gaza Strip. Around 100 individuals continue to be held hostage, with several reports suggesting the deaths of over 50 hostages according to Israeli forces.
During the recent Democratic National Convention, Goldberg-Polin's parents addressed the audience. Goldberg mentioned in her speech that eight American citizens were among the hostages, including their son. Her emotional words triggered tears from several delegates.
On Thursday, the Goldberg-Polin family, along with other hostage relatives, gathered at the border of the Gaza Strip. They used loudspeakers to attempt contact with their loved ones in Gaza. "Hey, it's Mom, Hersh," Goldberg-Polin's mother called out. "I'm praying to God to return you safely right now. I love you, stay strong."
In April, Hamas released a video featuring Goldberg-Polin. In the footage, he accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of abandoning his duty towards the hostages, leaving them in Hamas' hands. Goldberg-Polin reportedly sustained severe injuries during the Hamas raid on the Nova music festival in southern Israel on October 7th and was subsequently abducted into the Gaza Strip.
In the video, Goldberg-Polin could be seen wearing a red shirt and sitting on a plastic chair, with his left arm amputated. "Originally, I had planned to enjoy myself with my friends, but found myself battling for my life with injuries spanning across my entire body," Goldberg-Polin stated in the video.
Following the mass attack, Israel has been conducting extensive military operations in the Gaza Strip. According to Hamas, which is unverifiable, over 40,600 individuals have lost their lives since then.
At the press conference, the Goldberg-Polin family spokesperson appealed to the international community for assistance, expressing concern for other hostage families facing similar situations. The Red Cross has also been actively involved, advocating for the well-being of all hostages, including those from other nations.
