Six Israeli hostages in Gaza have been confirmed dead by their families, hours after Israel’s army said it had found bodies in the territory.

Relatives have released statements paying tribute to Ori Danino, Eden Yerushalmi and Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who were each abducted by Hamas-led militants on 7 October.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) identified the other three hostages as Carmel Gat, Alexander Lobanov and Almog Sarusi.

US President Joe Biden said he is “devastated and outraged” by the news.

“It is as tragic as it is reprehensible. Make no mistake, Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes,” he said.

“And we will keep working around the clock for a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages.”

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Their bodies were found in an underground tunnel in the Rafah area in southern Gaza, according to the IDF, which said they were returned to Israel.

Mr Goldberg-Polin’s parents became perhaps the most high-profile relatives of hostages on the international stage, meeting with Mr Biden, Pope Francis and addressing the UN.

On 21 August, they addressed a hushed hall at the Democratic National Convention, where the crowd chanted: “Bring them home.”

Image:
Hersh Goldberg-Polin

A Hamas video in April showing Mr Goldberg-Polin speaking under duress sparked new protests in Israel urging the government to do more to secure his and others’ freedom.

“With broken hearts, the Goldberg-Polin family is devastated to announce the death of their beloved son and brother, Hersh,” the family said in a statement.

“The family thanks you all for your love and support and asks for privacy at this time.”

Family confirmation of each death was shared by Israel on X.

The family of Ms Yerushalmi said: “We share with great sorrow that our beloved Eden was murdered in Hamas captivity.”

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