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Herzog thanks Qatari prime minister for advancing hostage deal

Israel’s president shared with him the profound emotions experienced across the Jewish state following the release of three women hostages.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Davos, Switzerland
Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 21, 2025. Credit: Ma’ayan Toaff/GPO.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog met on Tuesday with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the prime minister of Qatar, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Herzog thanked the Qatari premier for his efforts in advancing the ongoing hostage deal, according to an Israel Foreign Ministry statement.

Al Thani reaffirmed his commitment to implementing all three phases of the agreement. Herzog shared with him the profound emotions experienced across Israel following the release of three female hostages: Romi Gonen, 24; Emily Damari, 28; and Doron Steinbrecher, 31.

The women were reunited with their families on Sunday at Sheba Tel Hashomer Medical Center in Ramat Gan after 471 days in Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip.

Herzog also emphasized the deep pain and grief endured by Israeli society, particularly by the families of the victims and the hostages since the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

He reiterated Israel’s unwavering commitment to securing the release of all remaining hostages and the fundamental human need to relieve the suffering of the families of those still held captive.


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