World Leaders React to Killing of Six Israeli Hostages by Hamas
Canberra, Australia – World leaders have expressed their shock and sorrow over the killing of six Israeli hostages by Hamas in Gaza. They have also called for the release of all hostages and a ceasefire agreement.
Details of the Incident
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reported that the bodies of six hostages, who were abducted alive by Hamas on October 7, were found in a tunnel in Rafah, southern Gaza. The hostages were identified as Hersh Goldberg-Polin (23), Eden Yerushalmi (24), Ori Danino (25), Alex Lobanov (32), Carmel Gat (40), and Almog Sarusi (27).
Reactions from World Leaders
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Anthony Albanese described the news as ‘devastating’ and expressed his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims. He emphasized that every innocent life matters.
French President Emmanuel Macron
Emmanuel Macron expressed ‘shock and indignation’ and called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages, including French citizens Ohad Yahalomi and Ofer Kalderon.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Keir Starmer called for the immediate release of all hostages and a ceasefire deal to end the suffering. He expressed his shock at the ‘horrific and senseless’ killings.
US President Joe Biden
Joe Biden expressed his devastation and outrage, particularly noting that one of the victims, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, was an American citizen. He praised Goldberg-Polin’s bravery and vowed that Hamas leaders would pay for their crimes.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
Antony Blinken called the killings further proof of ‘Hamas’s depravity’ and stressed the need for the immediate release of all hostages.
Details from the IDF
The IDF stated that the hostages were found with multiple gunshot wounds and were likely killed shortly before the troops arrived. The bodies were discovered in a tunnel complex about 20 meters underground. The IDF had no exact information on the hostages’ location but operated carefully in the area.
Public Reaction in Israel
Large protests have erupted in Israel, with citizens demanding a ceasefire deal and the return of captives held by Hamas. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to secure a deal to bring the hostages home.
Doubts Revealed
Hamas -: Hamas is a group that controls the Gaza Strip, a small area near Israel. They have been in conflict with Israel for many years.
Gaza -: Gaza is a small region near Israel where many Palestinians live. It is often in the news because of conflicts.
Rafah -: Rafah is a city in the Gaza Strip, near the border with Egypt. It is known for having many tunnels.
Anthony Albanese -: Anthony Albanese is the Prime Minister of Australia. He is one of the leaders who spoke about the incident.
Emmanuel Macron -: Emmanuel Macron is the President of France. He also expressed his feelings about the incident.
Keir Starmer -: Keir Starmer is the leader of the Labour Party in the United Kingdom. He is another leader who reacted to the news.
Joe Biden -: Joe Biden is the President of the United States. He called for the release of all hostages and a ceasefire.
Antony Blinken -: Antony Blinken is the U.S. Secretary of State. He helps the President with foreign affairs and also spoke about the incident.
Ceasefire -: A ceasefire is when both sides in a conflict agree to stop fighting for a while. Many leaders are asking for this to happen.
Protests -: Protests are when people gather to show they are unhappy about something. In Israel, people are protesting to ask for a ceasefire and the return of captives.
