Biden Condemns Hamas After Bodies of Hostages Recovered in Gaza

The bodies of six hostages, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, were recovered by Israeli forces in Gaza. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed devastation and outrage, vowing that Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes. This comes amid ongoing conflicts and attempts for a ceasefire deal.

The bodies of six hostages, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, were recovered by Israeli forces in Gaza, President Joe Biden announced late Saturday. 'Earlier today, in a tunnel under the city of Rafah, Israeli forces recovered six bodies of hostages held by Hamas,' Biden said in a statement from the White House. 'I am devastated and outraged.'

Among the recovered were Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Ori Danino, according to an Israeli military statement on Sunday. 'Our initial estimation suggests they were brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists shortly before we reached them,' military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari informed reporters.

Hamas and its armed wing did not immediately respond to the allegations. Since October 7, at least 40,691 Palestinians have been killed and 94,060 injured in Israel's military offensive in Gaza, the enclave's health ministry reported Saturday.

The conflict began when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking approximately 250 hostages. Clashes erupted on Saturday between Israeli troops and Palestinian fighters in the West Bank as part of a military operation in Jenin, with hundreds of Israeli troops conducting raids since Wednesday, marking one of their largest operations in months.

Goldberg-Polin was captured at a music festival near Gaza and was featured in a video released by Hamas in April. 'He had just turned 23. He planned to travel the world,' Biden said. His parents, Rachel Goldberg and Jon Polin, '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,' Biden added. He vowed that '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.'

Vice President Kamala Harris remarked, 'I strongly condemn Hamas' continued brutality, and so must the entire world.' Harris, a Democratic candidate for the presidency, promised unwavering commitment to freeing Americans and all hostages in Gaza. Speaking to reporters in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Biden remained optimistic about a ceasefire deal. 'I think we're on the verge of having an agreement,' he said. 'It's time this war ended.' Biden added that 'people are continuing to meet,' expressing hope that an agreement is near.

(With inputs from agencies.)