IDF recovers bodies of 6 hostages from Gaza, including an American citizen

The IDF said it sent its “heartfelt condolences to the families” and that Israeli security forces were “operating with all means to bring home all hostages as quickly as possible.”

One of the hostages, Goldberg-Polin, was an Israeli-American whose parents spoke at the Democratic National Convention in August.

In a statement, President Joe Biden said he was “devastated and outraged” by the news of Goldberg-Polin’s death.

“Make no mistake, Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes. And we will continue to work around the clock for an agreement to secure the release of 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 Americans and all those held hostage in Gaza,” she said.

About 1,200 people were killed and about 250 people were taken hostage in Gaza following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

The operation to recover the bodies of the six hostages comes amid ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.