Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin found dead besides 5 others. Who was he?

United States (US) President Joe Biden said on Sunday (Sep1) that one of the six Israeli hostages found dead in the Gaza Strip tunnel was an Israeli-American. In a statement, President Biden said, "We have now confirmed that one of the hostages killed by these vicious Hamas terrorists was an American citizen, Hersh Goldberg-Polin."

"Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes. And we'll continue working towards a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages," headded.

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The remaining five hostages were identified by the Israeli military as Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Ori Danino.

Who was Hersh Goldberg-Polin?

Hersh, 23, was a dual Israeli-American citizen. He immigrated toIsrael with his family in 2008 at the age of seven, according to a statement from his family. According to President Biden, Hersh was attending the Nova Music Festivalin Israel on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack.

"He lost his arm helping friends and strangers during Hamas’ savage massacre," Biden said.

"He had just turned 23. He planned to travel the world. I have gotten to know his parents, Jon and Rachel. They have been courageous, wise, and steadfast, even as they have endured the unimaginable," he added.

"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," the US president further said.

Vice President Kamala Harris also condemned Hersh's death. "When I met with Jon and Rachel earlier this year, I told them: You are not alone. That remains true as they mourn this terrible loss," she said in a statement.

'Some of 6 hostages were approved for potential swap'

The Israeli military claimed that the six hostages were murdered by Hamas. These hostages were among 250 who were captured during the Hamas-led shock incursion into southern Israel on October 7 last year that sparked the war in Gaza.

Hamas, meanwhile, did not say anything about the circumstances in which these six hostages were found dead.

However, the Palestinian militant group told the news agency AFP that some of these hostageshad been "approved" for release in the event of a truce deal.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.