Trump blames leadership while Kamala Harris condemns Hamas in response to Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s death

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris released contrasting statements about the tragic deaths of six Hamas hostages, including American Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

While the former president harshly criticized his opponents for their leadership failures, the Democratic presidential nominee condemned the ongoing brutality of the Gaza-based militant group.

However, these statements offer no solace to the parents of Goldberg-Polin, who have suffered the loss of their 23-year-old son despite their pleas for authorities to secure the release of all captives from October 7 at a national platform (DNC).

Hersh Goldberg-Polin was taken hostage during a Hamas attack at an Israeli music festival on October 7 of the previous year. His body, along with those of five other captives, was discovered by Israeli forces earlier this week.

The victims have been identified as Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Master Sergeant Ori Danino.

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump react to Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s death

In response to Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s death, Vice President Kamala Harris stated, “Doug and my prayers are with Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, Hersh’s parents, and with everyone who knew and loved Hersh. Americans and people around the world will pray for Jon, Rachel, and their families and send them love and strength. As is said in the Jewish tradition, may Hersh’s memory be a blessing.”

Vice President Kamala Harris also described Hamas as an “evil terrorist organization” and added that it has “even more American blood on its hands.”

On October 7, Hersh Goldberg-Polin — an American citizen — was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists. He was just 23 years old, attending a music festival with friends. We now know he was murdered by Hamas.

Doug and my prayers are with Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, Hersh’s… pic.twitter.com/vHSGbWgUjr— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) September 1, 2024

Donald Trump, in contrast, used the deaths to criticize the Biden-Harris administration.

“Make no mistake – This happened because Comrade Kamala Harris and Crooked Joe Biden are poor Leaders. Americans are getting slaughtered overseas, while Kamala is disparaging and making up lies about Gold Star families, and Biden is sleeping on the beach on this 16th consecutive day of vacation. They have blood on their hands!” he stated in a post on Truth Social.

Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s parents demanded hostage release at DNC

The reactions come as over 101 hostages remain in the Gaza Strip, with 97 of them having been kidnapped on October 7, 2023, and the remaining four taken captive before that date.

Last month, Goldberg-Polin’s parents spoke at the Democratic National Convention, stating, “There is a surplus of agony on all sides of the tragic conflict in the Middle East. In a competition of pain, there are no winners.” They continued by further demanding the release of all hostages.

The last time the parents saw their 23-year-old son was in a video released by Hamas several months ago, which showed him with an amputated left arm.

The situation regarding the hostage deal remains complicated. Hamas has been rejecting recent ceasefire proposals even before officially receiving them, leading to a deadlock in negotiations facilitated by Qatar and Egypt.

Biden and Harris are urging authorities to facilitate a deal. However, despite their efforts, ongoing criticism from certain groups continues, with some holding the leadership accountable for not preventing the tragic loss of hostages.

Internet slams Kamala Harris and Donald Trump for their remarks

As soon as Kamala Harris’ and Donald Trump’s remarks surfaced on social media, users began reacting to them.

An X user criticized Kamala Harris, stating, “You strongly condemn? There was a time when being American meant that the U.S. will go to search you and to save you anywhere in the world if you were kidnapped. This does not occur for Jews. And this is a shame for the country. Send U.S. troops to Gaza NOW.” [sic]

You strongly condemn? There was a time when being American meant that the U.S. will go to search you and to save you anywhere in the world if you were kidnapped. This does not occur for Jews. And this is a shame for the country. Send U.S. troops to Gaza NOW.— benhur 🇺🇸 🇮🇱 🇫🇷 (@benhur2b) September 1, 2024

Another user slammed Harris by saying, “Empty words. You and your administration had a chance to get these people home and you decided winning Michigan and appeasing the ‘DEATH TO AMERICA’ faction of your party was more important. Whether it’s soldiers in Afghanistan or hostages taken by Hamas, you have absolutely no regard for Americans that you yourself put in harm’s way. Disgusting.”

Empty words. You and your administration had a chance to get these people home and you decided winning Michigan and appeasing the “DEATH TO AMERICA” faction of your party was more important.

Whether it’s soldiers in Afghanistan or hostages taken by Hamas, you have absolutely no…— Shawn Farash (@Shawn_Farash) September 1, 2024

One commentator shared outdated videos and news headlines about Biden’s alleged donations to Iran, stating, “Kamala hates terrorists so much that she funds them, eulogizes them & holds moments of silence for them in the UN.”

Kamala hates terrorists so much that she funds them, eulogizes them & holds moments of silence for them in the UN. pic.twitter.com/1PAhDstmeV— Fox You (@F0XYOU) September 1, 2024

“Once again your words are too little, too late!” another commenter said, referring to Harris.

Once again your words are too little, too late!— DJ (@dantelpowers) September 1, 2024

The internet has also sharply criticized Trump’s remarks about Goldberg-Polin, accusing him of exploiting the tragedy for political gain.

A person remarked, “There are some things you don’t politicize, including dead hostages in an ongoing crisis and the graves of fallen heroes (or, as you so fondly call them, suckers and losers).” [sic]

There are some things you don’t politicize, including dead hostages in an ongoing crisis and the graves of fallen heroes (or, as you so fondly call them, suckers and losers).— Charlie Fox (@seafocks) September 1, 2024

Another user chimed in, “You are such a malignant narcissistic pathalogical liar it’s insane. You are working at the behest of Israel and took 100 million dollars from Marian Adelson with the condition you let them occupy the west bank and give them money and weapons.”

“You also coordinated with @netanyahu at Mar-A-Lago for an October surprise of him starting a full-scale war in order to hurt her campaign. If it comes to that, you are a trader and should be prosecuted as one with capital punishment. You are a phychopath, promising to fund and support the terrorism and genocide of Israel. @FBI why isn’t this being investigated! Straight up collusion with foreign nation and treason!” the user added. [sic]

You are such a malignant narcissistic pathalogical liar it’s insane. You are working at the behest of Israel and took 100 million dollars from Marian Adelson with the condition you let them occupy the west bank and give them money and weapons. You also coordinated with @netanyahu…— The Racket (@The_Racket_) September 2, 2024

An X user accused Trump of being solely concerned with polls, stating, “You always think one dimensional. You lack the depth, the leadership, the courage. You would only care if it help score more points in the polls.” [sic]

You always think one dimensional. You lack the depth, the leadership, the courage. You would only care if it help score more points in the polls.— JimiTheWriter (@jimichang32) September 2, 2024