Protesters Gather Outside Netanyahu's Residence After Video Release of Captive Israeli Settler

Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American settler who has been held captive by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, appeared in a video on Wednesday criticizing the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The video, released by Hamas, shows the 23-year-old Goldberg-Polin with part of his left arm missing, having been seriously wounded during his capture in a Hamas attack on the Nova music festival that killed over 1,200 people.

In the video, Goldberg-Polin identifies himself and says he has been in captivity for nearly 200 days. He angrily asks the Israeli government to bring home the hostages as the war in Gaza enters its 200th day, with over 34,000 people killed since Israel's military campaign began. Goldberg-Polin is one of 129 hostages still being held in Gaza, with the Israeli government believing 33 are dead.

The video has ignited protests in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, with hundreds of demonstrators marching in what they are calling "rage demonstrations" demanding a prisoner exchange deal to secure Goldberg-Polin's release. His mother, Rachel Goldberg-Polin, has become a vocal advocate for the release of the remaining hostages. She has expressed her belief that the Israeli government should compromise to stop the suffering on both sides.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has fueled the biggest displacement in the region since Israel's creation in 1948. Israel is preparing for a potential final assault on Rafah, where Hamas's remaining fighters are holding Israeli hostages and over a million civilians are sheltering. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is dire, with the World Food Program warning of impending starvation and the United Nations reporting a surge in humanitarian aid deliveries.

Why this matters: The video of Hersh Goldberg-Polin has increased pressure on the Israeli government to strike a deal with Hamas to secure the release of the hostages. It underscores the plight of the families who are lobbying for a prisoner exchange after more than six months of their loved ones' captivity amid a devastating war.

Negotiations for a deal to release the Israeli hostages have stalled, with the families of the captives blaming Netanyahu for failing to reach a temporary ceasefire and an agreement. Goldberg-Polin's parents released a video statement expressing relief at seeing their son alive but concern for his health and the well-being of the other hostages. They urged the leaders of Qatar, Egypt, the United States, Hamas, and Israel to "be brave" and "get a deal done" to reunite the hostages with their families. Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari also released a message stating, "Israel will do all it can to bring Goldberg-Polin and all other hostages back home."

Key Takeaways

• Israeli-American settler Hersh Goldberg-Polin held captive by Hamas since Oct 2023
• Goldberg-Polin appears in video criticizing Israeli govt, missing part of left arm
• 129 hostages still held in Gaza, 33 believed dead; protests demand prisoner exchange
• Ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict fuels humanitarian crisis, potential final assault on Rafah
• Families urge leaders to reach deal to release hostages, Israel vows to bring them home