On Tuesday afternoon, October 10, families of US hostages currently being held by the terrorist group Hamas came together for a press conference. The families could be seen pleading with authorities to help recover their loved ones and revealed how the Biden administration has made no attempt to contact them since Saturday.
One family’s heartbreaking story has been shared around the world – Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s last text message was “I love you” and “I’m sorry.” Rachel Goldberg, his mother, said her son is believed to be among those held hostage by the terrorist group Hamas in Gaza after they launched a surprise assault into Israel which resulted in hundreds killed on spot.
She believes it meant her son was saying goodbye as he knew what terrible situation he was in. It has since been revealed that more than 100 people are likely being held hostage by Hamas, including some Americans whose numbers are yet unconfirmed.
The families present at the press conference each had their own heart wrenching stories to tell – Nahar Neta’s 66 year old mother Adreinne Neta is believed to be kidnapped from Be’eri, Jonathan Dekel Chen’s 35 year old son Sagui Dekel Chen is missing from Nir Oz kibbutz, Ruby Chen’s soldier son Itay may be held prisoner – all pleading with U.S., Israeli governments for help.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby confirmed President Biden has directed his team work with Israel on every aspect of hostage crisis including sharing intelligence and deploying experts across government consult with Israeli counterparts on recovery efforts.
The families hope their loved ones will be treated like Prisoners of War according to international law meaning they should have visitors such as doctors or U.N representatives checking up on them as well as being given certain rights like access to food or medical treatment if needed while held captive.
The entire press conference was incredibly heartbreaking to watch.
