The release of a video by Hamas showing American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, one of six hostages killed last weekend in Gaza, should serve as an urgent reminder for the world to focus on securing a cease-fire deal, his parents stated.
“We are still in the seven-day mourning period after burying our son Hersh,” his parents, Rachel Goldberg and Jon Polin, said in a statement. However, they felt compelled to speak out once more after the release of the video showing their son, which was recorded before his death. Hersh had been taken hostage during the Supernova music festival, where he was also severely injured in an attack that took place on October 7.
This video is part of a series shared by Hamas this week, showcasing the six hostages believed to have been killed by their captors before Israeli forces could rescue them. Israeli authorities report that approximately 100 people remain held by Hamas, with at least a third of the hostages thought to be dead. The hostage's parents described the situation as "psychological terror," but said they are supportive of the video's wide circulation to raise awareness.
In their statement, Hersh’s parents called for immediate global action to secure the release of remaining hostages, stressing that no other families should endure the pain they've experienced. They also emphasized the need for compromise to alleviate the suffering not just of hostages and their families, but of Palestinians in Gaza, where thousands have died since the conflict escalated.
At Hersh’s funeral, his mother expressed hope that his death might lead to a turning point in the long-standing conflict. Despite ongoing international efforts, negotiations have stalled, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisting that Israeli troops maintain a presence near the Gaza-Egypt border.
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