(Jerusalem) The family of Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin has confirmed that he was killed in the Gaza Strip.
The family released a statement early Sunday, hours after the Israeli military said it had located bodies in Gaza.
“It is with broken hearts that the Goldberg-Polin family is devastated to announce the passing of their beloved son and brother, Hersh,” she said. “The family thanks you all for your love and support and asks for privacy at this time.”
The military did not immediately comment or provide details on the other bodies found.
Mr Goldberg-Polin, 23, was among the hostages taken by militants at a music festival in southern Israel on October 7. He lost part of an arm in the attack.
Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s parents have become perhaps the most high-profile hostage parents on the international stage. They have met with President Joe Biden, Pope Francis and others and addressed the United Nations. On August 21, they addressed a silent room at the Democratic National Convention, where the crowd chanted, “Bring them home.”
PHOTO J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE, ARCHIVES ASSOCIATED PRESS
Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s parents have become perhaps the most high-profile hostage parents on the international stage. On August 21, they addressed a hushed audience at the Democratic National Convention, where the crowd chanted, “Bring them home.”
A video released by Hamas in April showing Mr Goldberg-Polin speaking clearly under duress sparked renewed protests in Israel urging the government to do more to guarantee his freedom and that of others.
The announcement is likely to put pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a deal to repatriate the remaining hostages. The Israeli leader has said military pressure is needed to secure their release as ceasefire efforts falter.
Before the Israeli army’s announcement, the military said it believed 108 hostages were still being held in Gaza and that about a third of them were dead.