The parents of an Israeli-American hostage held in Gaza have appealed to their son to remain strong and survive following the release of a proof-of-life video by Hamas. In the video, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, is seen without his lower left arm, which was lost during a Hamas attack in southern Israel. Though the footage’s date is unspecified, Goldberg-Polin states that he has been held captive for almost 200 days.
Goldberg-Polin’s parents called for increased efforts to secure a new hostage release agreement, urging Israel, Hamas, and mediators from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to finalize a deal that would end the suffering and reunite loved ones.
The video, posted on Hamas’s Telegram account, shows Goldberg-Polin under duress, requesting urgent medical assistance and criticizing the Israeli government’s negotiation efforts. Previous talks have failed to reach an agreement, with Hamas rejecting a recent proposal for a six-week ceasefire in exchange for the release of 40 hostages. Approximately 30 hostages are presumed deceased.
Despite warnings of severe humanitarian consequences for the displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza, Israel is moving forward with plans for an offensive in Rafah.
In response to the video, the Israeli Defense Forces condemned Hamas for terrorizing the hostages and their families. Over 34,200 deaths have been reported in Gaza since October 7, when the conflict began.
