Israeli-American Hostage Urged to “Stay Strong” in Gaza
In a heart-wrenching plea, the parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a 23-year-old Israeli-American hostage in Gaza, have urged him to hold on and “survive” after Hamas released a proof-of-life video. The short clip shows Goldberg-Polin without his lower left arm, which was lost during Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on 7 October.
The undated video reveals that Goldberg-Polin has been held captive for nearly 200 days. His parents are now calling for urgent action to secure his release, along with other hostages, urging Israel, Hamas, and mediators like the US, Egypt, and Qatar to come together and end the suffering in the region.
Despite weeks of negotiations, no agreement has been reached, with Hamas rejecting a recent proposal for a ceasefire in exchange for the release of some hostages. As tensions escalate, Israel is considering an offensive in southern Gaza, raising concerns about the humanitarian crisis for the displaced Palestinians.
Goldberg-Polin was attending a music festival when he was taken captive by Hamas gunmen. The video shows him pleading for medical attention and criticizing the Israeli government’s handling of the situation. His parents, along with other families of hostages, are desperate for a resolution to the crisis.
The distressing video has sparked protests and calls for action, with Goldberg-Polin’s parents sending a heartfelt message to their son, urging him to “stay strong” and “survive.” As the situation unfolds, the world watches in anticipation for a resolution to the ongoing crisis.
