VP Harris says US ‘will not waver’ in commitment to bring home American hostages held by Hamas

US Vice President Kamala Harris says she and husband Doug Emhoff are “heartbroken” by the news that Judih Weinstein Haggai — previously believed held hostage — was murdered during Hamas’s October 7 terror onslaught and her body is being held in Gaza.

The news came less than a week after the kibbutz announced that Judih’s husband, Gadi Haggai, initially thought to be held hostage, was also killed during the events of October 7. His body is also being held by Hamas.

“Our prayers are with their families and all those who are mourning this loss,” writes Harris on X.

“To the families of Americans still held hostage: You are not alone. We will not waver in our commitment to bring home your loved ones,’ she says.

Haggai and Weinstein, both dual Israeli-American citizens, were on their morning walk when gunfire erupted and missiles streaked across the sky on October 7. Taking cover in a field, they could hear a recorded voice from an alert system for their kibbutz, Nir Oz, in southern Israel.

US President Joe Biden earlier issued a statement saying that “Jill and I are devastated to learn” of Weinstein-Haggai’s death.

“This tragic development cuts deep, coming on the heels of last week’s news that Judy’s beloved husband, Gad Haggai, is believed to have been killed by Hamas,” he said. “We are holding Judy and Gad’s four children, seven grandchildren, and other loved ones close to our hearts.”

Biden added: “I will never forget what their daughter and the family members of other Americans held hostage in Gaza, have shared with me. They have been living through hell for weeks. No family should have to endure such an ordeal.”

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