Biden Says He’s ‘Devastated,’ ‘Outraged’ By Hamas Murder Of Israeli Hostages
President Joe Biden strongly condemned the killing of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American citizen reportedly murdered by Hamas during an attempted rescue in a tunnel under Rafah, Gaza. The Israel Defense Force (IDF) stated that Goldberg-Polin and five others had been held hostage for nearly 11 months following the deadly Hamas attacks on October 7, which killed 1,200 civilians in Israel. In a statement, the IDF identified the other recovered hostages as Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Master Sgt. Ori Danino, all of whom were killed just before Israeli forces arrived.
Biden released a statement on Saturday expressing his grief and outrage:
"Earlier today, in a tunnel under the city of Rafah, Israeli forces recovered six bodies of hostages held by Hamas. We have now confirmed that one of the hostages killed by these vicious Hamas terrorists was an American citizen, Hersh Goldberg-Polin.
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."
Goldberg-Polin’s parents recently spoke at the Democratic National Convention about their son’s captivity.
Biden has not been seen frequently in the public eye since ending his reelection bid after a debate with former President Donald Trump in late June. He has spent much of his recent time vacationing in California and Delaware.
Reports have surfaced about disagreements between Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris regarding the U.S. response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, particularly in the aftermath of Hamas' incursion into Israeli territory. Politico reported that Harris expressed a desire for the White House to be more vocal about the humanitarian toll in Gaza, urging a tougher stance on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and advocating for a stronger push for a long-term peace and a two-state solution.
However, Harris’ press secretary, Kirsten Allen, denied any discord, asserting that there is "no daylight" between Biden and Harris on the issue. Allen reaffirmed their united stance, stating that both leaders support Israel's right to defend itself, the need for humanitarian aid in Gaza, protection of innocent civilians, and a commitment to a two-state solution.
Allen also cautioned against using anonymous sources when discussing sensitive national security matters.