Biden issues statement on death of American hostage: It ‘cuts deep’

Judith and Gad Haggai, a couple in their 70s who resided in southern Israel's Kibbutz Nir Oz near the Gaza border, were on a morning walk when the chaos erupted. (Iris Weinstein Haggai )

President Biden said news of the death of a second American hostage being held in Gaza “cuts deep.”

The Kibbutz Nir announced Thursday that Judi Weinstein Haggai was declared dead. She was one of eight Americans being held captive by Hamas in Gaza.

“This tragic development cuts deep, coming on the heels of last week’s news that Judith’s beloved husband, Gad Haggai, is believed to have been killed by Hamas,” Biden said.

The announcement comes just a week after the community said Haggai's husband, Gad, had died. He was the first American hostage to die in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

They disappeared in the fields surrounding Kibbutz Nir Oz on Oct. 7 and had not been heard from since.  

“We are holding Judith and Gad’s four children, seven grandchildren, and other loved ones close to our hearts,” said Biden. “I will never forget what their daughter, and the family members of other Americans held hostage in Gaza, have shared with me. They have been living through hell for weeks.”