Israel mourned Sunday the brutal murders of six hostages by Hamas terrorists in captivity in the Gaza Strip.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded with a recorded statement issued following a notable delay, saying, "Those who murder hostages are not interested in negotiations. Along with all Israeli citizens, I am appalled by the cold-blooded murder of six of our hostages.
"We are experiencing a difficult day. The heart of our entire nation is torn," Netanyahu said, naming each of the six hostages and expressing deep shock at their "horrific, cold-blooded murder."
The prime minister expressed gratitude to the IDF soldiers and Shin Bet security agency operatives risking their lives to return the hostages. He then issued a stern warning to Hamas, "We will not rest or be quiet. We will pursue you, we will catch you, and we will hold you accountable."
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum had earlier criticized Netanyahu for "hiding behind the IDF spokesperson" instead of addressing the nation.
Meanwhile, political leaders across the spectrum offered condolences and vowed to bring Hamas to justice.
President Isaac Herzog expressed the nation's profound grief, "The heart of an entire nation is shattered to pieces with the news of the murder of Ori Danino, Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Eden Yerushalmi, whose bodies were brought back from Gaza in a military operation." He apologized on behalf of the state for failing to bring them home safely and pledged to continue fighting against Hamas, which he condemned for its crimes against humanity.
Benny Gantz, head of the State Party, sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the crisis, saying he "hesitates, fears, and plays for time due to political considerations instead of taking action. A game that costs human lives." Gantz called for a change in leadership, urging public protests against what he termed a "government of total failure."
Striking a similar note, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid tweeted, "They were alive! Instead of doing everything to bring them home, Netanyahu is doing everything to stay in power. The government of disasters is burying the State of Israel."
IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari provided details on the recovery operation, stating that the IDF and Shin Bet had retrieved the bodies from an underground tunnel in the Rafah area. He confirmed that after identification, the families were notified and emphasized that security forces were making every effort to expedite the return of all remaining hostages.
The heart of an entire nation is shattered to pieces with the news of the murder of Ori Danino, Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Eden Yerushalmi, whose bodies were brought back from Gaza in a military operation.
On behalf of the State of…
— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) September 1, 2024
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett condemned the hostages' murder "in cold blood by subhumans" and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families. Bennett criticized the current administration's handling of the situation, stating, "There are ways to balance Israel's security needs with the Jewish state's moral obligation to do everything to return its sons and daughters who were kidnapped from their beds and a dance party, and we failed to protect them." He argued that "chaotic and conflicted management and political considerations have rudely invaded our holy of holies, threatening our fundamental values," concluding that "one who flees from responsibility is not a leader."
The Hapoel Jerusalem basketball club paid tribute to Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a devoted fan whose captivity had deeply affected the Israeli sports community. The club announced, "We will commemorate you in every possible way."
Since Oct. 7, fan organizations of Hapoel Jerusalem continuously advocated for Hersh's release, raising awareness through banners, shirts, and social actions. The club expressed profound sorrow, saying, "The grief and pain are unbearable. We hoped, wanted, and prayed so much for your safe return. Our hearts are with [Hersh's mother] Rachel, [father] Jon, [and siblings] Libby, Orly, and the entire Red community that has become part of the Goldberg-Polin family."
