Israeli Hostage Killed by Hamas in Tunnel Rescue Attempt

Israeli forces conducted raids in the West Bank for the fourth consecutive day as tensions in the Middle East escalate following the death of Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

Hamas terrorists brutally murdered six hostages, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, on Saturday as Israel Defense Forces (IDF) closed in on them in tunnels deep below Gaza's Rafah. The IDF revealed that Hamas killed the hostages, who had been held for nearly 11 months, just as they were on the verge of freedom.

"According to our initial assessment, they were brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists shortly before we reached them," IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a statement.

Israeli Hostage Killed by Hamas in Tunnel Rescue Attempt

Goldberg-Polin, 23, was abducted at a music festival in southern Israel during Hamas' Oct. 7 attack against the Jewish State. He lost part of his left arm to a grenade in the attack. His body was recovered Saturday in the tunnels under Rafah, along with Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Master Sergeant Ori Danino.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu condemned the murders, saying, "He who murders abductees - does not want a deal. We are in a difficult day. The heart of the entire nation was torn."

Israeli Hostage Killed by Hamas in Tunnel Rescue Attempt

"Along with all the citizens of Israel, I was shocked to the core by the terrible cold-blooded murder of six of our abductees."

Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his condolences to the families, saying he "embrace[s] their families with all my heart, and apologize[s] for failing to bring them home safely."

Israeli Hostage Killed by Hamas in Tunnel Rescue Attempt

Goldberg-Polin's family confirmed his death early Sunday. His body was one of six recovered on Saturday. A dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, Goldberg-Polin immigrated to Israel with his family in 2008 at the age of seven, according to a statement from his family. He leaves behind his parents, Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg, and his two sisters.

Goldberg-Polin's family and friends traveled the world demanding his release and met with world leaders, including officials in the Biden administration.

President Biden said he is "devastated and outraged" by the news of Goldberg-Polin's death.

"It is as tragic as it is reprehensible," he said. "Make no mistake, Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes. And we will keep working around the clock for a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages."

Vice President Harris, also the Democratic nominee for president, said her prayers are with Goldberg-Polin's loved ones as they mourn his loss.

"Hamas is an evil terrorist organization," Harris said. "With these murders, Hamas has even more American blood on its hands. I strongly condemn Hamas' continued brutality, and so must the entire world. From its massacre of 1,200 people to sexual violence, taking of hostages, and these murders, Hamas' depravity is evident and horrifying."

The IDF continues to search for the remaining hostages and has warned Hamas that they will face severe consequences for their actions. The Israeli government has also vowed to step up its military campaign against Hamas and the other Palestinian militant groups in Gaza.

The escalation in tensions comes as the Biden administration has been trying to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. However, the latest violence raises serious questions about the viability of such a deal.