Biden Speaks on ‘Tragic’ and ‘Reprehensible’ Hamas Murder of American Hostage in Gaza: ‘I am Devastated and Outraged’

President Joe Biden issued a statement condemning the killing of an Israeli-American citizen who was reportedly slaughtered by Hamas Saturday during an attempted rescue of him and five others in a tunnel under the city of Rafah in Gaza.

The IDF said Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five others had awaited rescue for nearly 11 months since they were captured in the Hamas terror attacks that killed 1,200 civilians in Israel last Oct. 7. CBS News reported :

Israel Defense Forces in a statement identified the other recovered hostages as Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Master Sgt. Ori Danino. The military said all six had been killed shortly before the arrival of Israeli forces.

In a statement released late Saturday, Biden expressed devastation and anger. The president said:

Earlier today, in a tunnel under the city of Rafah, Israeli forces recovered six bodies of hostages held by Hamas. We have now confirmed that one of the hostages killed by these vicious Hamas terrorists was an American citizen, Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

I am devastated and outraged. Hersh was among the innocents brutally attacked while attending a music festival for peace in Israel on October 7. He lost his arm helping friends and strangers during Hamas’ savage massacre. He had just turned 23. He planned to travel the world. I have gotten to know his parents, Jon and Rachel. They have been courageous, wise, and steadfast, even as they have endured the unimaginable. They have been relentless and irrepressible champions of their son and of all the hostages held in unconscionable conditions. I admire them and grieve with them more deeply than words can express. I know all Americans tonight will have them in their prayers, just as Jill and I will. I have worked tirelessly to bring their beloved Hersh safely to them and am heartbroken by the news of his death. It is as tragic as it is reprehensible. 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.

In a statement obtained by CBS News, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the six hostages were killed in “cold blood” and vowed retaliation.

The family of Goldberg-Polin said the 23-year-old’s death left them with “broken hearts” The family also asked for privacy and expressed gratitude for “love and support.”

Goldberg-Polin’s parents spoke at the Democratic National Convention last month about his captivity.