Tensions escalated in Israel on Sunday following the discovery of six hostages’ bodies in an underground tunnel in the Rafah area of southern Gaza. The Israeli military reported that the hostages, who had been abducted alive, were “brutally murdered” by Hamas shortly before their remains were recovered. The hostages were formally identified in Israel on Saturday, deepening the public’s outrage and putting further pressure on the government to act.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that 101 hostages, including women, children, and the elderly, are still being held by Hamas in Gaza. Amid growing domestic pressure, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to “settle the score” with Hamas. Meanwhile, opposition leaders called for nationwide protests to demand stronger action from the government to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
Identities of the Hostages
The six hostages whose deaths have shocked Israel were identified as Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Almog Sarusi, Ori Danino, US-Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin, and Russian-Israeli Alexander Lobanov. They were kidnapped from a kibbutz near the Gaza border and a music festival site during the October 7 attack by Hamas, which has since led to an ongoing conflict in the region.
Escalating Violence in the West Bank
The violence has also intensified in the West Bank, where a “shooting attack” near the Tarqumiya checkpoint in the Hebron area on Sunday claimed the lives of three Israeli police officers. This incident occurred amid a large-scale military operation that Israel has been conducting in the West Bank since Wednesday, which has sparked international concern.
The operation, described by the Israeli military as “counter-terrorism,” has resulted in the deaths of at least 22 Palestinians, including 14 linked to militant groups. The United Nations has reported that at least 637 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the Gaza conflict began.
Netanyahu Faces Mounting Criticism
Prime Minister Netanyahu, facing increasing criticism at home, has vowed to “settle the score” with Hamas. While some critics accuse him of prolonging the conflict for political gain, Netanyahu remains resolute, asserting that Israel is “fighting on all fronts against a cruel enemy who wants to murder us all.” He directly addressed Hamas leaders, warning, “We will hunt you down, we will catch you, and we will settle the score.”
Protests and Political Pressure
The discovery of the six hostages’ bodies has intensified domestic pressure on Netanyahu’s government. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called for a nationwide strike on Sunday and urged Israelis to join a major protest in Tel Aviv to pressure the government into securing the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza. Hostage families have also called for protests, expressing growing frustration as the conflict drags on with no clear resolution in sight.
U.S. Leaders React to Hostage Deaths
U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed on Sunday that Israeli forces had recovered the body of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American hostage, along with five others in Gaza. Biden vowed that “Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes” and assured continued efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages. Vice President Kamala Harris also expressed her condolences to Goldberg-Polin’s family and denounced Hamas as an “evil terrorist organization,” holding them responsible for the deaths of more Americans.
