U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed deep concerns about the escalating tensions in Gaza and reiterated the U.S. commitment to securing a cease-fire agreement that would lead to the release of the remaining hostages. He condemned Hamas for the brutal killing of six hostages in Gaza and emphasized the need for accountability for their deaths.
Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant after the recovery of the hostages’ bodies, including U.S. citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin, in Gaza’s Rafah. He extended his condolences to the families of the victims and also to the families of three Israeli police officers killed in a separate terrorist attack.
During their conversation, Austin denounced the “vicious, illegal, and immoral execution” of the hostages by Hamas and expressed worries about the escalating situation in Gaza. He reassured Gallant of the U.S.’s dedication to reaching a deal that would result in the release of the remaining hostages taken by Hamas during their attack on Israel.
Gallant echoed Israel’s commitment to reaching an agreement and highlighted the crucial role of the United States in the negotiations. He emphasized Israel’s determination to dismantle Hamas leadership and assets in the region.
The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed that the hostages were brutally murdered by their captors before being found in an underground tunnel in Gaza. The victims, including U.S. citizen Goldberg-Polin, were identified, and their bodies were repatriated to Israel for burial.
President Joe Biden condemned the killings as tragic and reprehensible, vowing to continue efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza. He highlighted Goldberg-Polin’s bravery during a previous Hamas attack and expressed devastation over his death.
The IDF believes that there are still 101 hostages in Gaza and has committed to bringing them all home. Protests have erupted in Israel following the deaths of the hostages, with demonstrators criticizing the government for failing to secure a hostage deal.
Hamas justified the killings by citing disagreements with Netanyahu over certain negotiation terms. The group’s senior official stated that they would not compromise on their demands and accused Netanyahu of imposing new conditions that were unacceptable.
Overall, the situation remains tense, with ongoing efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages and hold those responsible for the killings accountable. Please rephrase
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