Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin has been confirmed dead after Hamas terrorists killed six hostages Saturday, including Goldberg-Polin, as Israel Defense Forces closed in for a rescue attempt in the tunnels deep below Gaza's Rafah.
Israeli forces conducted raids in the West Bank for the fourth consecutive day as tensions in the Middle East escalate.
Hamas terrorists killed six hostages Saturday, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, as Israel Defense Forces closed in for a rescue attempt in the tunnels deep below Gaza's Rafah.
Israeli-American Hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin Confirmed Dead in Hamas' Tunnel Raid
Goldberg-Polin's family confirmed his death early Sunday. His body was one of six recovered on Saturday. The IDF revealed that Hamas killed the hostages, who had been held for nearly 11 months, just as they were on the brink of freedom.
"According to our initial assessment, they were brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists shortly before we reached them," IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a statement.
Israeli-American Hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin Confirmed Dead in Hamas' Tunnel Raid
Goldberg-Polin, 23, was abducted at a music festival in southern Israel during Hamas' Oct. 7 attack against the Jewish State. He lost part of his left arm to a grenade in the attack. His body was recovered Saturday in the tunnels under Rafah, along with Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Master Sergeant Ori Danino.
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said, "He who murders abductees - does not want a deal. We are in a difficult day. The heart of the entire nation was torn."
Israeli-American Hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin Confirmed Dead in Hamas' Tunnel Raid
"Along with all the citizens of Israel, I was shocked to the core by the terrible cold-blooded murder of six of our abductees."
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he "embrace[s] their families with all my heart, and apologize[s] for failing to bring them home safely."
A dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, Goldberg-Polin immigrated to Israel with his family in 2008 at the age of seven, according to a statement from his family. He leaves behind his parents, Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg, and his two sisters.
President Biden said he is "devastated and outraged" by the news of Goldberg-Polin's death.
"It is as tragic as it is reprehensible," he said. "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."
Vice President Harris, also the Democratic nominee for president, said her prayers are with Goldberg-Polin's loved ones as they mourn his loss.
"Hamas is an evil terrorist organization," Harris said. "With these murders, Hamas has even more American blood on its hands. I strongly condemn Hamas' continued brutality, and so must the entire world. From its massacre of 1,200 people to sexual violence, taking of hostages, and these murders, Hamas' depravity is evident and horrifying."
"The threat Hamas poses to the people of Israel — and American citizens in Israel — must be eliminated and Hamas cannot control Gaza," she added. "The Palestinian people too have suffered under Hamas’ rule for nearly two decades."
IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said, "A few hours ago, we informed the families that the bodies of their loved ones had been located by IDF troops in an underground tunnel in Rafah. According to our initial assessment, they were brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists shortly before we reached them."
Fox News' Yonat Friling contributed to this report.
