President Biden and Vice President Harris Condemn Hamas for Hostage Murders in Gaza
US President Joe Biden expressed his devastation and outrage over the recovery of six hostages’ bodies, including an Israeli-American, from Gaza. He called the development ‘tragic’ and ‘reprehensible’ and warned that ‘Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes.’ Biden vowed to work tirelessly to secure the release of remaining hostages held by the Palestinian group.
On August 31, Biden confirmed that Israeli forces had recovered the bodies from a tunnel under the city of Rafah. One of the hostages was identified as American citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin. The Israel Defence Force (IDF) Spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, stated that the hostages were ‘brutally murdered’ by Hamas shortly before IDF troops arrived.
Speaking to reporters, Biden said, ‘It’s time this war ended. We should end this war.’ Vice President Kamala Harris also condemned Hamas, stating that the group ‘must be eliminated’ and cannot control Gaza. She extended her condolences to Goldberg-Polin’s parents and emphasized the commitment to free all hostages.
Harris described Hamas as an ‘evil terrorist organization’ and condemned their actions, including the massacre of 1,200 people, sexual violence, and hostage-taking. Israeli President Isaac Herzog also condemned the killings, calling them crimes against humanity and emphasizing the nation’s goal to bring the hostages home.
Following Hamas attacks on October 7, Israel launched a war against the Palestinian group, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and 250 hostages taken, according to Israeli authorities.
Doubts Revealed
President Biden -: He is the leader of the United States, like the Prime Minister in India.
Vice President Harris -: She is the second-in-command in the United States, like the Deputy Prime Minister in India.
Hamas -: A group that controls Gaza and is considered a terrorist organization by many countries.
Gaza -: A small area of land where many Palestinians live, located near Israel.
Hostages -: People who are captured and held by someone, usually to get something in return.
Israeli-American -: A person who has citizenship in both Israel and the United States.
Condemn -: To say very strongly that something is wrong or bad.
Rafah -: A city in Gaza, near the border with Egypt.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog -: The leader of Israel, similar to the President of India.
Crimes against humanity -: Very serious crimes that hurt many people, like killing or torturing them.
