IDF spokesman Brigadier General Daniel Hegary responded this evening (Wednesday) in a statement to foreign media to a video released by Hamas documenting the abducted Hirsch Goldberg-Polin.
""Hamas has just released a video of Hirsch Goldberg-Polin, 23, an Israeli-American teenager who was celebrating with his friends at the Nova Music Festival, where he was violently attacked and brutally kidnapped by Hamas on October 7. Hirsch has been held by Hamas in Gaza for over 200 days. 133 abductees are still being held by Hamas in Gaza, for over 200 days, in inhumane conditions.
""Until Hamas releases our hostages, the IDF will continue to pursue Hamas everywhere in Gaza," Hagari declared.
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He added: "This is an urgent call to action. No stone will be left unturned in our efforts to locate our abductees. This psychological terror video is not just a reminder of what Hamas did on October 7, it is a reminder of how shocking this terrorist organization is - terrorizing the abductees, and their families as well.".
He addressed Hirsch's parents, Rachel and John, and said: "Our hearts are with you. We will continue to do everything we can to bring your son Hirsch and all of our abductees home. Your strength continues to inspire us as we fulfill this essential mission.".
Earlier, Rachel Goldberg-Polin and John Polin, Hirsch's parents, responded for the first time to their son's video: "We were relieved to see him alive, but we are very concerned about his health and well-being and the well-being of all the other hostages.".
They added: "We appeal to all parties involved in the negotiations for the release of the hostages - including Qatar, Egypt, the United States, Hamas and Israel: Be brave, seize the present moment and reach a deal that will unite us all with our loved ones and end the suffering in the entire region.".
In an appeal to Hirsch, the parents said: "We heard your voice today for the first time in 201 days and if you can hear us, we love you, be strong, survive to come back to us.".
This afternoon, Hamas released the first sign of life from Hirash Goldberg-Poland, who was injured in the arm by a grenade thrown into the shelter he was hiding in. In the footage released by Hamas, he is seen with his left arm amputated at the elbow and reading messages against the Israeli leadership that Hamas dictated to him in front of the camera.
It is unclear when the video was filmed.
