Biden, first lady ’heartbroken’ about death of American hostage held in Gaza
President Biden said he and first lady Jill Biden were “heartbroken” that an American hostage being held by Hamas has died.
Gad Haggai, 73, an Israeli-American, is believed to have been killed by the terror group. He is the first American hostage to have died in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
His wife, Judi, who also has American citizenship, remains captive in Gaza.
“Today, we are praying for their four children, seven grandchildren, and other loved ones and are grieving this tragic news with them,” Biden said in a statement.
In a statement, the Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum described Haggai as a man “full of humor who knew how to make those around him laugh. A musician at heart, a gifted flutist, he played in the IDF Orchestra and was involved with music his whole life.”
Biden said he spoke with the couple’s daughter by phone his meeting with the families of hostages last week.
He also reaffirmed his pledged to the families that “we will not stop working to bring them home.”
Posted by Louis Casiano