A dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, Hersh was confirmed dead—he was allegedly executed by his captors in Gaza last October. His violent death represented a sad and grim turning point in the deeply complicated and multifaceted hostage crisis that continues today. He was among the six hostages who were killed as a result of Israeli forces encircling them in, ironically, a rescue operation. The news is still bleak, about 20 of the 50 hostages reported still known to be alive.
Against this backdrop of turmoil, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been bolstered by resounding support from U.S. President Donald Trump. Together, they are collaborating to face down and destroy Hamas. Demonstrations broke out of control throughout Israel this past Sunday, attracting more than 400,000 people on the streets and calling for an end to the Gaza war. Those who oppose Netanyahu’s right-wing administration are rightly angry and emboldened. Yair Golan, head of the newly-formed Israeli opposition Democrats party, blames him for misleading the Israeli public and for his inept handling of the crisis.
Golan stated, “The man who time and again refused to eliminate Hamas’s leaders before October 7, who funnelled hundreds of millions of dollars from Qatar to finance the tunnels and weapons that threaten our hostages.” This sentiment rings true with many who believe that Netanyahu’s aggressive policies have done nothing but worsen the crisis.
Netanyahu is under increasing pressure from critics. Criticism is increasing over his administration’s handling of the war and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Civilians in Israel and around the world are calling on the Israeli government to stop exacerbating starvation in Gaza. They blame it for war crimes. So far, the plan to take full control of Gaza City has sparked outrage at home and abroad.
After widespread public outcry, organizers have moved to call for more protests this Sunday. Netanyahu has argued that calls for an end to the war without Hamas’s defeat could jeopardize the safety of the remaining hostages. He asserted, “The people who are calling today for the war’s end without Hamas’s defeat are not only toughening Hamas’s stance and distancing our hostages’ release, they are ensuring that the atrocities of October 7 will recur time and again.”
Despite mounting criticism, Netanyahu maintains that Israel will only consider a ceasefire if Hamas releases all hostages simultaneously, disarms, and permits the demilitarization of Gaza. Senior security officials are openly rebelling against his administration. They warn that the lives of the remaining hostages may be jeopardized if military operations do not cease.
While families of hostages wait and hope, others reconnect with loved ones lost as conflicts deepen. As Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s father said, to honor his son, “May your memory be a revolution.” This powerful message serves as a compelling reminder of the heavy toll carried by people impacted by this unjust war.