Israel-Gaza live updates: Biden 'devastated' as hostage Goldberg-Polin's body found

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris confirmed late Saturday that the body of American citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin was among those recovered by the Israel Defense Forces inside Gaza.

Biden said in a statement that he was "devastated and outraged" to learn of the news of Goldberg-Polin's death.

"One of the hostages killed by these vicious Hamas terrorists was an American citizen, Hersh Goldberg-Polin," Biden said. "I am devastated and outraged. Hersh was among the innocents brutally attacked while attending a music festival for peace in Israel on October 7."

Biden touted the ongoing efforts to achieve a cease-fire and hostage deal that might have freed Goldberg-Polin. He said he had gotten to know Jonathan Polin and Rachel Goldberg, the hostage's parents.

"I have worked tirelessly to bring their beloved Hersh safely to them and am heartbroken by the news of his death," Biden said. "It is as tragic as it is reprehensible."

Vice President Kamala Harris also mourned the loss of Goldberg-Polin, saying that her prayers are with his family in a statement.

"When I met with Jon and Rachel earlier this year, I told them: You are not alone. That remains true as they mourn this terrible loss," Harris said. "Americans and people around the world will pray for Jon, Rachel, and their family and send them love and strength."

Harris also issued a harsh criticism of Hamas -- saying that the organizations has "even more American blood on its hands."

"I strongly condemn Hamas' continued brutality, and so must the entire world," Harris said in a statement. "From its massacre of 1,200 people to sexual violence, taking of hostages, and these murders, Hamas' depravity is evident and horrifying. The threat Hamas poses to the people of Israel -- and American citizens in Israel -- must be eliminated and Hamas cannot control Gaza."

-ABC News' Michelle Stoddart

One of the bodies recovered in Gaza was Hersh Goldberg-Polin, according to a family spokesperson.

"With broken hearts, the Goldberg-Polin family is devastated to announce the death of their beloved son and brother, Hersh," the spokesperson said late Saturday evening.

"The family thanks you all for your love and support and asks for privacy at this time,” the statement continued."

The 23-year-old was kidnapped by Hamas during Supernova music festival in south Israel celebrating his birthday on Oct. 7.

Speaking to the press after leaving church on Saturday, President Joe Biden said his staff has been in contact with the Israelis since bodies were discovered in Gaza.

"They're not sure the exact number," Biden said.
"There’s a lot of speculation to who they are, the names. I'm not at liberty to do that at this moment until the families are notified," Biden said.

The president said he is "still optimistic" about a hostage and cease-fire deal.

"Our people are continuing to meet, and we think we can close the deal. They've all said they agree on the canons. So, keep your fingers crossed," he added.

"It is time this war ended. We should end this war. I think we are on the verge of having an agreement and [it's] just time to end it. Time to finish it," Biden said.

-ABC News' Lauren Peller

The Israeli Defense Forces said they have recovered several bodies from Gaza and are currently taking them back to Israel. They have not yet identified the bodies.