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The IDF said it found the bodies of six hostages in a tunnel in the Gaza Strip.
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One of the bodies found was that of American citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin.
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Goldberg-Polin’s parents had spoken at the Democratic National Convention.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the bodies of six hostages were found in a tunnel in southern Gaza.
In a statement sent to X, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the bodies of Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarus and Master Sergeant Ori were located and recovered by the IDF and Israel’s internal security service Shin Bet. Danino near Rafah.
The IDF said it was sending its “heartfelt condolences to the families” and that Israeli security forces were “doing everything possible to bring all hostages home as quickly as possible.”
One of the hostages, Goldberg-Polin, was an Israeli-American whose parents made an emotional plea for the hostages’ return at the Democratic National Convention in August, where the crowd chanted, “Bring them home.”
In a statement, President Joe Biden said he was “shocked and outraged” by Goldberg-Polin’s death.
“Make no mistake, Hamas leaders are paying for these crimes. We will continue to work around the clock to reach an agreement to release the remaining hostages,” he said.
Vice President Kamala added, “Doug and my prayers are with Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, Hersh’s parents and everyone who knew and loved Hersh.”
“President Biden and I will never waver in our commitment to free the American people and all those held hostage in Gaza,” he said.
About 1,200 people were killed and about 250 people were taken hostage in Gaza after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7.
The operation to recover the bodies of the six hostages comes amid ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Read the original article on Business Insider