US confirms Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin among Gaza hostage remains, Biden condemns Hamas

The Israel Defence Forces on Saturday (Aug 31) night announced that its troops had located several bodies in the Gaza Strip. The United States has revealed that one of the dead hostages isan Israeli-American citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

In a statement, United States President Joe Bidenconfirmed that Polin was one of the six whose bodies were recovered by Israel.

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White House statement

"Earlier today, in a tunnel under the city of Rafah, Israeli forces recovered six bodies of hostages held by Hamas. We have now confirmed that one of the hostages killed by these vicious Hamas terrorists was an American citizen, Hersh Goldberg-Polin," said President Joe Biden in a White House press briefing.

As per the statement, 23-year-old Hersh was one of the "innocents" attending the music festival in Israel on Oct 7.

"He lost his arm helping friends and strangers during Hamas’ savage massacre. He had just turned 23. He planned to travel the world," said Biden.

"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," added the White House.

With broken hearts

Meanwhile, the parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin have also announced the death oftheir son.

"With broken hearts, the Goldberg-Polin family is devastated to announce the death of their beloved son and brother, Hersh. The family thanks you all for your love and support and asks for privacy at this time," saidthe family in a post on Facebook.

'Abandonment is over'

Even as the Israeli military warned people against spreading rumours, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an activist group that advocates for the relatives of abductees in Gaza, revealed its plans to announce major protests— to be held on Sunday (Sept 1).

"Netanyahu abandoned the hostages. It is now a fact," said the group as the war approaches its 12th month.

According to the Times of Israel, the group vowed, "Starting tomorrow, the country will tremble."

"We call on the public to prepare. The country will grind to a halt. The abandonment is over," it added.

Hostages in Gaza

The discovery of the hostage bodies comes days after the Israeli military rescued one live witness. Furthermore, in recent days, other bodies of captives were also returned from the Strip. According to reports, Gaza still holds 103 of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, along with the bodies of 33 confirmed dead by the IDF.In late November, the militant group Hamas released 105 civilians during a weeklong truce,and four hostages were released before that.

(With inputs from agencies)