'Evil terrorist organisation': Kamala Harris blasts Hamas after Hersh Goldberg-Polin's death

US Vice President Kamala Harris

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday condemned Hamas following the discovery of the body of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a young Israeli-American, by the Israeli military on Sunday. Goldberg-Polin was one of the six hostages whose bodies were recently found.

In a statement released by the White House, Harris expressed grief and extended condolences to Goldberg-Polin's family, stating, "Doug and my prayers are with Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, Hersh’s parents, and with everyone who knew and loved Hersh. When I met with Jon and Rachel earlier this year, I told them: You are not alone. That remains true as they mourn this terrible loss. Americans and people around the world will pray for Jon, Rachel, and their family and send them love and strength. As is said in the Jewish tradition, may Hersh’s memory be a blessing."

Goldberg-Polin was among the hundreds of young people attending the Nova music festival in southern Israel on October 7, when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack. The attack killed more than 1,200 people and resulted in about 250 hostages being taken, according to Israeli reports.

As the attack unfolded, Goldberg-Polin and his friends sought refuge in a bomb shelter. When Hamas militants began lobbing grenades into the bunker, Goldberg-Polin bravely attempted to throw them out, but his arm was blown off from the elbow down, according to a firsthand account from his friend. After the gunfire ceased, Goldberg-Polin was forcibly taken by Hamas gunmen. That was the last time his friend saw him.

The first sign of life from Goldberg-Polin came in April, six months after his capture. He appeared in a hostage video released by Hamas, with part of his left arm missing and his hair cropped short. Speaking in Hebrew, he said he had been “here for almost 200 days” and urged his parents to stay strong for him.

More than four months later, the young Israeli-American was confirmed dead, according to a statement from his family released by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The 23-year-old’s ordeal had come to symbolise the pain and agony of the more than 100 hostages still held in Gaza, with banners and murals demanding their return often displayed in Jerusalem and around the world.

(With agency inputs)