In a significant development, Hamas has released videos of two Israeli-American hostages, Hersh Goldberg-Polin and Itay Chen, providing the first proof that they are still alive after being kidnapped during the October 7 attacks in Israel. The videos were published on April 24, 2024.
Hersh Goldberg-Polin was captured at the Nova music festival when Hamas launched attacks on Israel. In one of the videos, he is shown with part of his left arm missing several inches above the hand. He mentions spending 'almost 200 days' in captivity and refers to the Jewish holiday of Passover.
Goldberg-Polin criticizes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the video, stating that he should have done more to secure their release. The Israeli government has been under intense pressure from families of hostages and international organizations to negotiate a deal with Hamas for their safe return.
Itay Chen was also shown in a separate video, but no further details about his condition or whereabouts were provided.
The release of these videos comes as ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have stalled. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.
According to reports, at least 133 hostages are still being held by Hamas, with five of them being American citizens. The identities of the other hostages include Judi Weinstein, Gad Haggai, Sagui Dekel-Chen, Omer Neutra, and Edan Alexander.
The families of the hostages have been advocating tirelessly for their release and have called on the Israeli government to take action. The Biden administration has also been involved in negotiations to secure their safe return.
It is important to note that Hamas is a terrorist organization, and its actions should be condemned. However, it is crucial that all parties involved prioritize the safety and well-being of the hostages and work towards a peaceful resolution.
