Families Demand Justice for Hostages Who Were Found Dead in Gaza Tunnel
The bodies of six hostages captured during the October 7th Hamas attack at the Nova music festival were recovered early Sunday by the Israeli military. Among the deceased was Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, whose parents led a high-profile campaign advocating for the hostages’ release.
The Israeli military reported that the hostages—identified as Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Carmel Gat, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Ori Danino—were killed just before Israeli forces attempted to rescue them. Their bodies were discovered in a tunnel beneath Rafah in southern Gaza.
The news has ignited calls for mass protests from families of the hostages, who believe a ceasefire deal could have saved their loved ones.
Hersh Goldberg-Polin, originally from Berkeley, California, had lost part of his left arm in the initial attack on October 7th. His parents, U.S.-born immigrants to Israel, became prominent voices in the international campaign for the hostages’ release. They met with President Biden, Pope Francis, and addressed the United Nations to advocate for their son’s freedom.
Other hostages include Eden Yerushalmi, a Tel Aviv native and pilates instructor, and Carmel Gat, an occupational therapist known for her compassion. Both were abducted during the attack. Alexander Lobanov, a father of two, was also captured at the festival, as were Almog Sarusi, a vibrant traveler, and Ori Danino, who aspired to study electrical engineering.
