Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

In a tragic development for hostage families, Israel announced on September 1 that it had recovered the bodies of six hostages in Gaza. Among them was Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, whose parents had become vocal advocates for the release of all hostages.

The military confirmed that all six were killed shortly before Israeli forces arrived, according to The Associated Press. The other victims were identified as Ori Danino, 25; Eden Yerushalmi, 24; Almog Sarusi, 27; Alexander Lobanov, 33; and Carmel Gat, 40. All six bodies were found in a Gaza tunnel with gunshot wounds.

Pope Francis addressed the conflict during his Angelus prayer on September 1: “I once again turn my thoughts with concern to the conflict in Palestine and Israel, which risks spreading to other Palestinian cities. I appeal for the negotiations to continue and for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and relief to the people of Gaza.”

U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his sorrow over Hersh’s death: “It is as tragic as it is reprehensible,” he said. “Make no mistake, Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes. And we will keep working around the clock for a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages.”

Secretary of State Antony Blinken also paid tribute: “Hersh Goldberg-Polin is an American hero who will be remembered for his kindness and selflessness.” He extended condolences to Hersh's parents, Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin.

Massive protests erupted in Israel following news of the deaths, calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a cease-fire and bring home the remaining hostages. Netanyahu responded by blaming Hamas for obstructing a cease-fire deal: “Whoever murders hostages doesn’t want a deal,” he said.

On September 2, thousands gathered in Jerusalem to mourn Hersh. His mother Rachel spoke at his funeral: “Now I no longer have to worry about you. I know you are no longer in danger.” She added her gratitude for having known him: “For 23 years, I was privileged to have the most stunning honor to be Hersh’s mama.”

President Isaac Herzog apologized at the funeral for failing to bring home the murdered hostages alive.

Rachel Goldberg-Polin had previously met Pope Francis along with other hostage families in November 2023. She recounted how visibly shaken he was after viewing a video showing Hersh tending his own injuries following an attack.

Despite their hopes being dashed, Rachel remained resolute in her faith in humanity: "He gave me permission not to lose faith... that humanity will be victorious over darkness."

The family released a statement on September 1 expressing their devastation over Hersh’s death and requesting privacy.

Israel's ongoing offensive in Gaza has resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths according to local health officials and displaced much of Gaza's population. Brief pauses in fighting have allowed polio vaccinations after U.N. officials confirmed a case of polio affecting a ten-month-old baby.