US ambassador slams Hamas at ceremony honoring fallen IDF soldier

US Ambassador David Friedman blasted Hamas for refusing to return the body of fallen IDF soldier Hadar Goldin.

On Sunday, US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman attended a ceremony at Jerusalem’s Ammunition Hill Wall of Honor, where a plaque was dedicated in honor of IDF soldier Hadar Goldin, The Jerusalem Post reported.

The ambassador condemned Hamas for refusing to return Goldin’s body to his family. “The pain of [Goldin’s] parents is unforgivable and unspeakable, and we hold Hamas responsible,” Friedman stated.

“The United States is very clear that Hamas is a terrorist organization and a brutal and evil organization, and the US is committed to defeating Hamas and we’re committed to ending the suffering of Israeli parents – and any of those who have suffered from their acts of terrorism,” he said.

Friedman rejected the suggestion of direct negotiations with the Islamist group in charge of the Gaza Strip, saying, “I have no interest in [negotiating] with [Hamas] directly, but they will be defeated. I’m certain of that.”

The Wall of Honor is dedicated to Jewish soldiers who died while protecting their home countries. It was erected by the Jewish National Fund.

“He was ambushed and killed during a ceasefire brokered by the US and UN, so he was a victim of a ceasefire and is still being held by Hamas as a bargaining chip,” said Leah Goldin, mother of the soldier.

Despite her personal grief, she expressed optimism. “Now we see a new horizon with the new [US] administration. This [administration] is totally different; they are open to listening and feel responsibility,” she said.

“They understand that Hadar’s case is a basic humanitarian issue that affects all religions… so now this is a precious opportunity for them to demand his unconditional return.”

Israeli Jewish Congress Research Director Arsen Ostrovsky exposed the world’s indifference and double standards.

“Where is the outrage from the international community? The same international community was up in arms recently over the Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike in Israel. But again, only silence when it comes to the lives of Israelis,” Ostrovsky declared.

Hadar Goldin was killed on August 1, 2014 because of Hamas’ violation of a ceasefire during Operation Protective Edge. Hamas refuses to return the bodies of Hadar Goldin and his comrade Oron Shaul.

By: Daniel Krygier, World Israel News

David FriedmanGazaHadar GoldinHamasOperation Protective Edge