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On April 24, 2024, Hamas released a video showing signs of life from Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin. The video marked the first proof that he had survived his injuries sustained during his capture on October 7, 2020.
Goldberg-Polin, who was among the most recognizable of the 129 October 7 hostages still being held in Gaza, had been held captive for nearly two years as of the time of the video recording. He was taken hostage during Hamas' attacks on Israel when more than 1,200 people died and over 200 were taken captive.
In the video, Goldberg-Polin criticized the Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and demanded that they return all hostages from Gaza or step down. He also described his living conditions as harsh, stating that he and other hostages had been living without water, food, sun or medical care for a long time.
The video sparked relief among Goldberg-Polin's family and friends but also angered many Israelis who demanded action from their government to secure the release of all hostages. The Israeli military vowed to do everything in its power to bring them home.
Background: The October 7 attacks on Israel, also known as the Second Lebanon War, were a series of rocket and missile attacks launched by Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups against Israel. Over 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage during the conflict.
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