Israeli President Isaac Herzog has condemned Hamas's murder of six Israeli hostages, apologizing for the state's failure to protect them and pledging a relentless fight against the terrorist organization. The funerals of the victims, including American-Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin, were held on Monday, eliciting outpourings of grief and anger.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has condemned Hamas's murder of six Israeli hostages, apologizing for the state's failure to protect them and pledging a relentless fight against the terrorist organization. The funerals of the victims, including American-Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin, were held on Monday, eliciting outpourings of grief and anger.
Israel Mourns Slain Hostages, Vows Retribution Against Hamas
In a eulogy at Goldberg-Polin's funeral in Jerusalem, Herzog apologized on behalf of the state of Israel for failing to secure the release of the hostages and bring them home safely. He said, "We failed to protect you in the terrible disaster of October 7, that we failed to bring you home safely."
Herzog also vowed that Israel would hold Hamas accountable for its crimes, saying, "This is not a political goal, and it must not become a political dispute. It is a supreme moral, Jewish, and human duty of the State of Israel to its citizens."
Israel Mourns Slain Hostages, Vows Retribution Against Hamas
The funerals of the other hostages were held simultaneously across the country. Thousands attended each service, expressing their condolences and showing solidarity with the victims' families. The funerals were marked by heavy security, as Israeli forces remain on high alert following Hamas's recent attacks.
The slain hostages were identified as Goldberg-Polin, 23; Carmel Gat, 24; Eden Yerushalmi, 20; Alexander Lobanov, 23; Almog Sarusi, 22; and Master Sergeant Ori Danino, 37. They were seized by Hamas during an attack on a music festival in southern Israel on October 7.
Israel Mourns Slain Hostages, Vows Retribution Against Hamas
Israeli forces recovered the bodies of the hostages in the tunnels under Rafah during a rescue mission on Saturday. Hamas terrorists are believed to have murdered the hostages as Israeli forces closed in.
The deaths of the hostages have sparked outrage in Israel and around the world. US President Joe Biden condemned the killings, calling them "barbaric." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an independent investigation into the incident.
Hamas has not commented on the killings. The organization has a long history of targeting Israeli civilians and holding them hostage.
The Israeli government has vowed to continue fighting against Hamas and to secure the release of the remaining hostages. However, Hamas has shown no willingness to negotiate, and it is unclear how Israel will be able to bring the hostages home safely.
