Jerusalem, Israel – Hamas has released a video showing the Israeli-American hostage, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, confirming his survival after being badly wounded during his capture. The 23-year-old was abducted from the Nova music festival during Hamas’ attacks on Israel, where over 1,200 people died and more than 200 were taken hostage.
In the video, Goldberg-Polin is seen missing part of his left arm several inches above the hand. Previous footage from October 7 showed him being taken hostage with a severe arm injury, as he was helping to defend against Hamas attacks before his arm was blown off from the elbow down.
Goldberg-Polin, who has been held captive in Gaza for almost 200 days, criticizes the Israeli government and mentions Israeli ministers celebrating holiday dinners, likely referring to Passover. The Biden administration received the video two days before its public release, prompting officials to engage with the hostage’s family and analyze potential evidence with the FBI’s Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell.
His parents, Rachel and Jonathan, have been advocating for their son’s release alongside other families of the 129 hostages still held in Gaza. Demands for immediate action and intensified efforts by negotiating parties have been made to reunite families and end the suffering caused by the ongoing captivity.
Throughout their son’s ordeal, the Goldberg-Polin family has remained resilient, sending messages of love and encouragement to Hersh. The emotional toll of the situation is evident as they navigate the uncertainty of his well-being and continue working towards his safe return.
The release of the hostage video has reignited calls for action and solidarity, as families plead for the safe return of their loved ones and an end to the hostage crisis in Gaza. As the international community monitors the situation, the fate of the hostages remains uncertain, highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic resolutions and humanitarian interventions.