World Leaders Condemn Killing of Israeli Hostages by Hamas, Urge Ceasefire

Global leaders expressed shock over the killing of six Israeli hostages by Hamas in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire and the release of all hostages. The bodies were found in Rafah after being abducted on October 7. The deceased were identified, and international leaders, including Biden and Macron, voiced their outrage.

World leaders have expressed shock over the killing of six Israeli hostages by Hamas in Gaza and extended their condolences to their families. They also called for a ceasefire and the immediate release of all hostages. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reported that the bodies of six hostages, who were abducted alive on October 7, were recovered from a tunnel in Rafah overnight.

The deceased hostages, identified as Hersh Goldberg-Polin (23), Eden Yerushalmi (24), Ori Danino (25), Alex Lobanov (32), Carmel Gat (40), and Almog Sarusi (27), have sparked global condemnation. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labeled the killings as 'devastating,' while French President Emmanuel Macron expressed 'shock and indignation' and called for an immediate ceasefire.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden also condemned the killings, with Biden highlighting the death of Israeli-US citizen Goldberg-Polin. Biden assured that Hamas leaders would be held accountable and emphasized ongoing efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed these sentiments, asserting the killings underscored Hamas's depravity.

(With inputs from agencies.)