Vice President Kamala Harris criticized Hamas after six hostages were recently found dead, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin. In a statement from the White House, Harris expressed her condolences to Goldberg-Polin’s parents and denounced the terrorist organization.
Harris noted that she had met Goldberg-Polin’s parents, Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, earlier this year. “When I met with Jon and Rachel earlier this year, I told them: You are not alone. That remains true as they mourn this terrible loss. Americans and people around the world will pray for Jon, Rachel, and their family and send them love and strength. As is said in the Jewish tradition, may Hersh’s memory be a blessing,” she stated.
“Hamas is an evil terrorist organization. With these murders, Hamas has even more American blood on its hands. I strongly condemn Hamas’ continued brutality, and so must the entire world. From its massacre of 1,200 people to sexual violence, taking of hostages, and these murders, Hamas’ depravity is evident and horrifying. The threat Hamas poses to the people of Israel—and American citizens in Israel—must be eliminated and Hamas cannot control Gaza. The Palestinian people too have suffered under Hamas’ rule for nearly two decades,” she added.
Harris emphasized that protecting American citizens is a top priority and affirmed that she and President Biden “will never waver in our commitment to free the Americans and all those held hostage in Gaza.”
On X (formerly Twitter), Harris shared that she and her husband, Doug Emhoff, had spoken with Goldberg-Polin’s parents following his death, expressing their “condolences following the brutal murder of their son by Hamas terrorists.” She reiterated, “As they mourn this terrible loss, they are not alone. Our nation mourns with them.”
Following the announcement of Goldberg-Polin’s death, President Biden also issued a strong statement condemning Hamas, while former President Donald Trump blamed the deaths on what he called Biden and Harris’ “poor” leadership on Truth Social.
