Six Israeli hostages found dead in Gaza Strip
Photo: Bodies of six Israeli hostages found in Gaza (Getty Images)
Israeli forces discovered the bodies of six hostages in tunnels beneath the Gaza Strip. They were captured by Hamas militants during the October attack, according to CNN.
Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated that the hostages were killed shortly before Israeli soldiers reached them.
Among the deceased was 23-year-old American-Israeli Goldberg-Polin, who was captured by Hamas militants at the Nova music festival on October 7.
His parents were among the most active families of hostages and Goldberg-Polin had become one of the faces of the hostage crisis.
US President Joe Biden announced that the bodies were found under the city of Rafah in southern Gaza.
The Israeli military also identified the names of the other five victims: Eden Yerushalmi, Carmel Gat, Almog Sarusi, Alex Lobanov and Ori Danino.
Photo: Bodies of six hostages found in Gaza (cnn.com)
What's happening in the Middle East
In October of the previous year, Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip. The militants captured hundreds of people, including foreigners.
In response, Israel began an operation against Hamas. Israeli territory was regained under control, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continued combat operations within the Gaza Strip. Israeli soldiers reached the city of Rafah.
The West is urging Israel to halt its operation in Gaza. Israel and Hamas fail to reach an agreement on the release of hostages and the cessation of hostilities in Gaza. Negotiations between the parties are ongoing.
