September 3, 2024
The 23 years of life that we had with you were a blessing. We now will work to make your legacy a similar blessing. … I love you.
Jon Goldberg-Polin, father of Hersh Goldberg-Polin who was one of six hostages killed in Hamas custody after surviving for nearly a year after his kidnapping on October 7th during the Hamas terrorist attack.
Why It Matters: One of the most well-known hostages due to his family’s advocacy, Hersh Goldberg-Polin was also an American citizen. His murder, along with the others in his company, ignited massive protests and now a nationwide strike in Israel, led by Israeli citizens who want to pressure the government to reach a ceasefire agreement with Hamas – to effectively pause or end the war. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu remains steadfast that the Israeli operation must continue and rejects the suggestion that Israel has not made enough concessions to make a ceasefire deal happen, citing multiple times he says Israel agreed to a deal and Hamas wanted more concessions: “The pressure internationally must be directed at these killers, at Hamas, not at Israel.”
President Biden also weighed in:
“I am devastated and outraged. Hersh was among the innocents brutally attacked while attending a music festival for peace in Israel on October 7. He lost his arm helping friends and strangers during Hamas’ savage massacre. He had just turned 23. He planned to travel the world. I have gotten to know his parents, Jon and Rachel. They have been courageous, wise, and steadfast, even as they have endured the unimaginable. They have been relentless and irrepressible champions of their son and of all the hostages held in unconscionable conditions. I admire them and grieve with them more deeply than words can express. I know all Americans tonight will have them in their prayers, just as Jill and I will. I have worked tirelessly to bring their beloved Hersh safely to them and am heartbroken by the news of his death. It is as tragic as it is reprehensible. 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.”
CNN with some reporting regarding Hamas’ stance:
“Hamas meanwhile escalated its own threats on Monday, with a public warning that more hostages held in Gaza would return ‘inside coffins’ if Israel attempts to free them militarily. A statement released by the militant group said that its fighters guarding prisoners held in the Palestinian enclave had received ‘new instructions’ on how to deal with hostages if Israeli forces get close, and released an illustrated poster apparently showing hostages threatened with a gun.”
Context: The war between Israel and Hamas began after the October 7th terrorist attack that killed 1200 people (including Americans), more than 240 people were taken hostage. It is the deadliest day for Israel since its independence (Britannica, CSIS). The war has led to tens of thousands of deaths in Gaza – where Hamas remains in power, including over the Gaza Health Ministry or Palestinian Ministry of Health that regularly reports numbers of dead and injured. The latest report indicates more than 40,000 dead.
Hamas has been designated a terrorist group by the United States government since 1997.
Read More: Netanyahu defiant as protesters demanding a ceasefire-for-hostages deal bring Israel to a halt (CNN)
How a narrow strip of scrubland has become an obstacle to a cease-fire in Gaza (The Associated Press)
Image Credit: AP Photo / Ohad Zwigenberg
by Jenna Lee, Founder of SmartHER News
