Donald Trump and Kamala Harris issued contrasting statements on the deaths of the six Hamas hostages, including American citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin. While the former president slammed his opponents in a fiery reaction, the Democratic presidential nominee condemned the Gaza-based militant group's 'continued brutality'. However, the statements do not helt Goldberg-Polin's parents, who have lost a 23-year-old son even after urging authorities to facilitate the release of all October 7 captives at a national stage (DNC).
Goldberg-Polin was taken hostage during Hamas' attack on an Israeli music festival on October 7 last year. His body, along with five other captives, were found by Israeli forces earlier this week. The victims were identified as armel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Master Sgt Ori Danino.
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Reacting to Goldberg-Polin's death, Kamala Harris said: "Doug and my prayers are with Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, Hersh's parents, and with everyone who knew and loved Hersh. Americans and people around the world will pray for Jon, Rachel, and their family and send them love and strength. As is said in the Jewish tradition, may Hersh’s memory be a blessing."
She called Hamas an 'evil terrorist organization', adding it has 'even more American blood on its hands'.
On October 7, Hersh Goldberg-Polin — an American citizen — was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists. He was just 23 years old, attending a music festival with friends. We now know he was murdered by Hamas.Doug and my prayers are with Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, Hersh's… pic.twitter.com/vHSGbWgUjr
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) September 1, 2024
Donald Trump, on the other hands, used the deaths to attack the Biden-Harris administration. "Make no mistake – This happened because Comrade Kamala Harris and Crooked Joe Biden are poor Leaders. Americans are getting slaughtered overseas, while Kamala is disparaging and making up lies about Gold Star families, and Biden is sleeping on the beach on this 16th consecutive day of vacation. They have blood on their hands!" he said in a Truth Social post.
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Both reactions come as more than 101 hostages remained in captivity in the Gaza Strip, 97 of whom had been abducted on 7 October 2023, and the other four hostages captured earlier.
Goldberg-Polin's parents had spoken at the Democratic National Convention last month. "There is a surplus of agony on all sides of the tragic conflict of the Middle East. In a competition of pain there are no winners," they said, further calling for all hostages' release.
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The parents last saw their 23-year-old son in a video released by Hamas months ago. His left arm was amputated. However, the hostage deal is still in a complex situation. Hamas has rejected recent ceasefire proposals, even before receiving them, leading to stalled talks mediated by Qatar and Egypt.
All Biden and Harris are doing is, urging authorities to facilitate a deal. However, despite their involvement, criticism from some quarters remains, blaming leadership for not preventing the tragic deaths of hostages.
Discussions remain ongoing, but tensions are high, and a deal has yet to be reached.