Six Hostages Being Held In Gaza Were Brutally Murdered In Tunnels Under Rafah

Sunday, September 1, 2024, 9:30 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges: Englebrook Independent News,

JERUSALEM, ISRL.- The Israeli Defense Forces reported on Sunday that they have recovered the bodies of six hostages, including the body of an Israeli American, who were brutally executed in recent days in tunnels under Rafah City by Hamas militants.

Names Of Hostages Murdered

     Three of the six, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, and Carmel Gat, had been slated to be released during the first part of a ceasefire deal that was first laid out in July. Still, Hamas leadership has continually rejected the terms of the agreement.

     During a press briefing on Sunday, Rear Admiral Hagari said, “This morning, our hearts are broken alongside the families of Ori Danino, Alex Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Carmel Gat, and Eden Yerushalmi, may their memories be a blessing.”

     “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.”

     “They were abducted alive on the morning of October 7th by the Hamas terror organization. Their bodies were found during combat in Rafah in an underground tunnel, approximately one kilometer from the tunnel from which we rescued Farhan Alkadi a few days ago. Since Farhan’s identification, the forces have been instructed to act with extra caution, even more than usual, understanding that there might be additional hostages in the area. We did not have information on the exact location of the hostages. Combat was ongoing above ground, and the troops eliminated terrorists even during the battles there yesterday. The troops are still operating in the field at this time.”

     “Last night, IDF troops located and retrieved the bodies of the hostages from the tunnel and brought them to Israel territory for further identification. After the process, which was conducted by medical officials and the Lahav 443 Unit of the Israel Police, IDF representatives informed the families.”

     “We share in the great sorrow of their families during this difficult time. It is impossible to put into words what the hostages have endured in Hamas captivity since October 7th, now 331 days, and what their families have been going through. This morning, this news shakes us all,” Hagari concluded.

President Biden Issues Statement

     President Biden, who has met Goldberg-Polin’s parents, released a statement from the White House this morning saying he was “devastated and outraged.”

     “It is tragic as it is reprehensible,” Biden continued. “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.”

     As Biden stated, we will be working around the clock. If Biden had not spent the past two weeks on vacation, this weekend’s tragedy might have turned out differently.

     Ever since the October 7th Black Saturday attack by Hamas, although both Biden and Harris say that they support Israel’s right to defend themselves, they have continued to restrain Israel from fully achieving their goals of eradicating the Hamas terrorist organization.