- By Shivangi Sharma
- Sun, 01 Sep 2024 06:42 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Israel Defense Forces announced on Saturday that they had recovered the bodies of six hostages, including an Israeli-American, from an underground tunnel in the Rafah area of the Gaza Strip.
Among the deceased was Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli American whose parents have been vocal advocates for the return of Hamas hostages, as reported by NBC News.
The Israel Defense Forces identified the other hostages as Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Master Sgt. Ori Danino.
The hostages' bodies were discovered during combat in a tunnel under the city of Rafah, and they were killed shortly before Israeli soldiers reached them. The IDF had not previously known the hostages' location.
Israeli PM Netanyahu Reacts To IDF Finding Bodies Of 6 Hostages
The recovery of the hostages has led to widespread protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In response, Netanyahu expressed deep sorrow over the deaths, stating that the killings demonstrate Hamas's unwillingness to agree to a cease-fire.
On Sunday, Netanyahu described the murders as being carried out in “cold blood” and vowed that Israel would hold Hamas accountable. He also accused Hamas of undermining ongoing cease-fire negotiations.
US President Biden Condemns Killing Of Hostages
President Biden, in an official statement released by the US Embassy in Israel, said, "I am devastated and outraged. 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.”
US-Israeli citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin, one of the most well-known hostages, was confirmed dead just days after his parents protested at the Gaza border fence for his release. Israel reported that the hostages, including five who were captured at the Nova music festival, were shot in the head shortly before they were discovered.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has urged the cabinet to overturn a vote from Thursday to remain in the Gaza Strip. This stance is also supported by Mr. Lifshitz, who stated that any agreement should also involve pressure on the US, Hamas, and Qatar.