Israel announced on Sunday that it has recovered the bodies of six hostages in Gaza, including Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a young Israeli-American who had become one of the most high-profile captives held by Hamas. Goldberg-Polin, who was seized at a music festival in southern Israel on October 7, had been the focus of intense international attention as his parents lobbied for his release, including speaking at the Democratic convention last month.

The discovery of the hostages’ bodies has sparked widespread criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is accused of failing to secure their release in ongoing cease-fire negotiations with Hamas. Negotiations have been protracted, and many families of the hostages, along with the public, are calling for significant protests against Netanyahu’s handling of the situation.

In another development, gunmen in the occupied West Bank killed two people and wounded a third in an attack on a vehicle, amidst recent large-scale Israeli military raids. The casualties were confirmed by Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service.

Goldberg-Polin, 23, was one of three Americans who were captured during the attack. The other victims include Ori Danino, 25; Eden Yerushalmi, 24; Almog Sarusi, 27; and Alexander Lobanov, 33, who were also taken from the music festival. Carmel Gat, 40, was abducted from a nearby farming community. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesperson, reported that these hostages were killed shortly before Israeli forces could rescue them. The bodies were found in a tunnel under the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

Despite Netanyahu’s firm stance on military pressure, which has reportedly led to disputes with top security officials, the hostage families have organized a major protest demanding an end to the country’s perceived neglect of the hostage situation.

U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his deep sorrow and anger over the deaths, pledging continued efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages. The Goldberg-Polin family issued a statement mourning their son’s death and requested privacy.

Goldberg-Polin’s parents, U.S.-born immigrants to Israel, became prominent advocates for their son and other hostages, meeting with global leaders and addressing the United Nations. Their campaign included a poignant appearance at the Democratic National Convention, where they highlighted their struggle as a humanitarian issue rather than a political one.

As of now, Israel believes that 108 hostages are still held in Gaza, with approximately one-third presumed dead. Eight hostages have been rescued, with most freed during a cease-fire in November. Israeli operations to free hostages have resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with Hamas alleging that several hostages have been killed in Israeli airstrikes and rescue attempts.