Israeli Families of Hostages Fear Their Cause Will Be Forgotten

The families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are growing increasingly concerned that their plight will be forgotten as the war drags on. A video released by Hamas on April 25, 2024, showing Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg Polin alive but injured, has reignited attention on the issue.

Goldberg Polin, 24, was among scores of people abducted by Hamas militants during an attack on a music festival near the Gaza border on October 7, 2023, which sparked the current war. In the video, he appears with part of his left arm missing and visible marks on his head and face. "I've been living in this underground hell for 200 days now without basic necessities," Goldberg Polin says, suggesting the video was filmed on or around April 24.

The video marked the first time Goldberg Polin has been seen alive since his capture nearly seven months ago. His parents, Jonathan Polin and Rachel Goldberg, expressed relief at the proof of life but also deep worry for their son's health and the wellbeing of other hostages. "Hersh's cry is the collective cry of all the hostages," said the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents the families.

Why this matters: The fate of the hostages has become a highly sensitive political issue in Israel. Hostage families and their supporters have accused the government of not doing enough to secure the captives' release, with hundreds gathering outside the Prime Minister's residence to demand action.

Israel estimates that 129 of the roughly 250 people abducted during the October 7 attack remain in Gaza, with 34 believed to be dead. Hamas has said it will not release any hostages unless Israel ends the war, which has killed over 34,000 Palestinians according to local officials. Ceasefire and hostage release talks brokered by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt appear to have stalled, while the suffering in the region continues.

Key Takeaways

• Hamas holds Israeli hostages, including Hersh Goldberg Polin, since Oct 2023 attack.
• Hostage families fear their plight will be forgotten as the war drags on.
• Hamas released a video of Goldberg Polin, showing him injured, to reignite attention.
• Israel estimates 129 of 250 abducted remain captive, with 34 believed dead.
• Ceasefire and hostage release talks have stalled, as the suffering continues.