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

The six hostages whose bodies were recovered Saturday in Gaza appeared to have died "shortly before" they were found, the Israeli military said Sunday.

"According to the initial assessment we have, they were brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists shortly before we reached them," Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson, said on Sunday.

The bodies were discovered in a tunnel in Rafah, the densely populated border city in southern Gaza, Hagari said. They were found about a kilometer from where Farhan Al-Qadi, another hostage, was rescued days earlier, he added.

"Since the location of Farhan Al-Qadi, the forces have been given emphasis on careful and controlled action, even more than usual, with the understanding that there may be other abductees in the area," Hagari said. "We did not have information about the exact location of the abductees."

Fighting between Israel and Hamas had been ongoing on Saturday above ground in the area where the bodies were discovered, he said.

The families of hostages released on Sunday a statement mourning the dead and condemning the Israeli politicians who they said they believe are slow-walking and blocking a cease-fire and hostage-return deal.

"A deal for the return of the hostages has been on the table for over two months," the statement said. "Were it not for the delays, sabotage, and excuses those whose deaths we learned about this morning would likely still be alive."

-ABC News' Jordana Miller, Anna Burd, Victoria Beaule and Kevin Shalvey

Six bodies recovered in Gaza on Saturday were those of hostages taken by Hamas, Israeli officials said Sunday.

The bodies of Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Master Sgt. Ori Danino were recovered by the Israel Defense Forces and the Israel Securities Authority, IDF officials said in a statement posted on social media.

The bodies were located in "an underground tunnel in the Rafah area in the Gaza Strip," the statement said.

"They were all taken hostage on October 7 and were murdered by the Hamas terrorist organization while in captivity in Gaza," the statement said. "The IDF and ISA send their heartfelt condolences to the families. Israeli security forces are operating with all means to bring home all the hostages as fast as possible."

The bodies were returned to Israeli territory, the statement said.

-ABC News' Victoria Arancio and Kevin Shalvey

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.