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Warning: This episode contains strong language and descriptions of violence.
When Hamas attacked Israel, they took more than 200 hostages back with them into the Gaza Strip, including grandparents and children as young as nine months old. It was one of the largest mass abductions in recent history.
Now, the fate of those hostages is at the center of a deepening crisis in the Middle East, and a looming ground invasion of Gaza. Today, we hear from the mother of one of these hostages.
On today’s episode
Rachel Goldberg, the mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who is being held hostage by Hamas.
Background reading
Hamas is believed to hold more than 200 people in Gaza, a dense territory descending into a chaotic crisis, where many officials believe a military rescue would be dangerous for soldiers and hostages alike.
Relatives of those captured or missing express despair at the lack of information, and they are terrified of what an expected Israeli invasion of Gaza may mean for their loved ones.
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Sabrina Tavernise contributed reporting.
Special thanks to Jeffrey Gettleman.
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