Israel recovers Gaza hostages after finding the bodies of six individuals taken by Hamas in an underground tunnel, who were taken by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the bodies were found on Saturday in an underground tunnel in Rafah. The hostages were named as Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Master Sgt Ori Danino.
According to Rear Adm Daniel Hagari, they believe these people were “brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists shortly before we reached them.”
After confirming that Mr. Goldberg-Polin, who was an American citizen, had died, US President Joe Biden said he was “devastated and outraged” by the news.
In a statement on Sunday, the IDF said the bodies had been “returned to Israeli territory.” The statement added that the hostages were all taken on 7 October 2023 and were killed by the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip. Their families have been informed.
President Biden also mentioned that “Hersh was among the innocents brutally attacked while attending a music festival for peace in Israel on 7 October.” He added that Hersh had lost his arm while helping others during Hamas’ attack. Hersh had just turned 23 and had plans to travel the world. Biden said he has gotten to know Hersh’s parents, Jon and Rachel, who have shown courage and strength even as they faced this terrible situation.
Israel’s military has been carrying out operations in Gaza to defeat Hamas after the attack on southern Israel on 7 October, which killed around 1,200 people and led to 251 others being taken hostage. Since then, more than 40,530 people in Gaza have died, according to the health ministry run by Hamas.
US, Egyptian, and Qatari mediators are trying to make a deal that would see Hamas release the 97 hostages still being held, including at least 27 who are thought to be dead, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
Also Read: Polio Vaccination Campaign in Gaza: UN Targets 640,000 Children Amid Conflict!
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