By Deutsche Welle
02 Sep 2024, 10:04 AM EDT
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to Promise justice and express grief after Hamas killed six hostages in Gazaincluding that of the young American Hersh Goldberg-Polin.
“Hamas leaders must be held accountable for their crimes”Austin told Gollant, according to a summary of the call provided by Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh.
During the call, the US secretary of state extended his condolences to the families of the slain hostages and expressed his outrage, he said, “at their illegal and immoral execution at the hands of Hamas,” a movement considered a terrorist organization by the European Union and other countries.
“Hamas will be held accountable.”
Defense Secretary Austin Lloyd spoke with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, and conveyed his condolences and outrage “at the brutal murder of six hostages at the hands of Hamas.”
Photo/Source: @SecDef pic.twitter.com/O8EYjKGQ7d
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He also expressed shock at the death of three Israeli police officers “in an apparent terrorist attack in the West Bank,” the statement said.
Both leaders took the opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to reach a ceasefire agreement as soon as possible to ensure the release of all hostages.
The White House confirmed early Sunday that Israeli forces found the lifeless bodies of six hostages in a tunnel in Gaza, including that of 23-year-old Hersh Goldberg-Polin.
The young man, originally from California, was One of those kidnapped last October in a surprise attack during a music festival for peace near the border with the Gaza Strip and who lost an arm during a grenade attack.
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