After six hostage deaths were found in a Gaza Strip tunnel, including the American-Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin, US President Joe Biden expressed his shock and fury.

President Biden called the tragedy “tragic” and “reprehensible,” declaring that “Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes” and pledging to keep working to free the hostages that the Palestinian organization is still holding.

“I am furious and heartbroken. On October 7, while attending a music festival for peace in Israel, Hersh was one of the innocent people who was viciously attacked. During Hamas’ brutal assault, he lost his arm defending friends and strangers.

His birthday was approaching. His goal was to see the world. His parents, Jon and Rachel, are now familiar to me. Even in the face of the unthinkable, they have shown courage, wisdom, and steadfastness. Their unwavering and unstoppable support for their son and all captives detained under abhorrent circumstances has been evident. Biden reportedly told a White House official, “I admire them and grieve with them more deeply than words can express.”

In addition to expressing his sorrow, Biden stated that attempts were being made to return the Israeli-American hostage to his family.”I am devastated to hear of Hersh’s passing; I have devoted my life to ensuring his safe return to them. It is disgusting and tragic at the same time. Leaders of Hamas will pay for these crimes, no doubt about it. And we’ll keep trying nonstop to reach an agreement to guarantee the release of the remaining hostages,” Biden concluded.