Hamas releases hostage video showing well-known Israeli-American
JERUSALEM (AP) — Hamas launched a hostage video on Wednesday displaying a well known Israeli-American man who was amongst scores of individuals kidnapped by the militants within the assault that ignited the struggle in Gaza.
The video was the primary signal of lifetime of Hersh Goldberg-Polin since Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault on southern Israel, and its launch ignited new protests in Jerusalem calling on the federal government to do extra to safe the captives’ launch.
Within the video, Goldberg-Polin accused Israel’s authorities of abandoning the people who find themselves being held hostage by Hamas. He additionally claimed that some 70 captives have been killed in Israel’s bombing marketing campaign. Goldberg-Polin was clearly talking below duress, and the declare couldn’t be independently verified. It was not clear when the video was made.
Goldberg-Polin, 23, was on the Tribe of Nova music competition when Hamas launched its assault from close by Gaza. Within the video, Goldberg-Polin is lacking a part of his left arm.
Witnesses mentioned he misplaced it when attackers tossed grenades right into a shelter the place folks had taken refuge. He had tied a tourniquet round it earlier than being bundled into the truck by Hamas.
Goldberg-Polin is likely one of the most acknowledged captives. Posters together with his picture are pinned up throughout Israel. His mom, Rachel Goldberg, has met with world leaders and addressed the United Nations.
Although there was no date on the video, Goldberg-Polin appeared to reference the weeklong Jewish vacation of Passover, which started on Monday.
His mother and father mentioned they have been relieved to see him alive however have been involved about his well being and well-being, in addition to that of the opposite hostages.
“We’re right here at present with a plea to the entire leaders of the events who’ve been negotiating thus far,” mentioned his father, Jon Polin, naming Egypt, Israel, Qatar, america and Hamas.
“Be courageous, lean in, seize this second and get a deal executed to reunite all of us with our family members and finish the struggling on this area,” he mentioned.
Hostages’ households have accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s authorities of not doing sufficient to safe the discharge of their kin.
After the Hamas video was made public, lots of of Israelis gathered outdoors Netanyahu’s official residence in central Jerusalem on Wednesday, calling on the federal government to strike a deal to deliver residence hostages. Many held posters of Goldberg-Polin, and a number of the protesters set cardboard containers on hearth.
“We’re afraid for his life, so we went to protest and name for the federal government to do no matter is feasible to deliver him and all people else again, as quickly as attainable,” mentioned one of many marchers, Nimrod Madrer. “Convey them again residence,” the group chanted.
On the close by Nice Synagogue, a big crowd jeered the nation’s ultranationalist nationwide safety minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, chanting “disgrace” as he exited the constructing following a Passover gathering. One protester banged on Ben-Gvir’s automobile and was pushed away by police because it drove off.
Hamas and different militants kidnapped round 250 folks within the Oct. 7 assault and killed round 1,200, largely civilians. They’re nonetheless believed to be holding round 100 hostages and the stays of some 30 others. A lot of the relaxation have been freed in November in alternate for the discharge of 240 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.
Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official, mentioned Goldberg-Polin’s household had requested mediators to inquire about his destiny for humanitarian causes.
His household was “looking the world for any signal of him,” al-Hayya mentioned in an interview with Hamas-run Al-Aqsa TV broadcast on Wednesday. Hamas’ armed wing ”despatched a powerful message by publishing this younger man’s message directed at Netanyahu,” al-Hayya mentioned.
The U.S., Qatar and Egypt have spent months making an attempt to dealer one other cease-fire and hostage launch, however the talks seem to have stalled. Hamas has mentioned it is not going to launch the remaining hostages until Israel ends the struggle, which has killed over 34,000 Palestinians, in line with native officers.
Netanyahu has rejected these calls for, and says Israel stays dedicated to destroying Hamas and bringing all of the hostages residence. He has come below mounting criticism in Israel, the place some say it is going to be unimaginable to do each.