Scuffles ERUPT as angry Israelis demand release of Gaza hostages following Hamas video

Scuffles erupt in Israel’s capital Jerusalem as hundreds demand the release of hostages captured by Hamas.

What Happened?

This comes following Hamas releases proof-of-life video of kidnapped American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 24, revealing where his hand was blown off during Oct 7.

The man from California who was kidnapped at the Nova Festival on October 7, was seen in a video posted by Hamas blaming Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for leaving him with the terror group for 200 days. 

What Kidnapped American Hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin Said

Goldberg-Polin, who can be seen missing his left hand and part of his arm, begins by identifying himself, before saying: ‘I was arrested on October 7 at the Nova Festival in Rei’m. I went out seeking entertainment with my friends. 

The emaciated man, who has spent more than six months as a hostage and was seen with a shaved head, said: ‘Instead, I found myself struggling to survive with serious injuries all over my body.

‘Nevertheless, I took it upon myself to protect myself and the people who were afraid around me because there was no one to protect us that day. 

He Blames Israeli Government

He then blames Netanyahu and his government’s decision not to rescue the hostages, saying: ‘Benjamin Netanyahu and his government, [you] should be ashamed of yourselves because you neglected us along with thousands of other citizens. 

‘You should be ashamed of yourselves for leaving us for two hundred days, and all the efforts of the army have failed. 

‘Also, you should be ashamed because all the deals that were offered to you were rejected. Don’t you want to end this nightmare? 

He continued: ‘Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his government, at a time when you are holding lunched with your families, think of us detainees in underground hell without water, food, or sun; without the treatment I need for so long. 

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He continued: ‘I ask you the Prime Minister, your government and the cabinet. Every day we are here, you ignore us more and more, and you ignore our blood. 

‘Do what is expected of you and bring us home immediately, or has this become too big for you? 

‘It is time to hand over the government keys and evacuate the ministries and sit in your homes,’ he said.

Goldberg-Polin’s outburst has since sparked protest with people demanding Israel’s government to do everything possible to bring Goldberg back home.