Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday urged the immediate return of all Israeli hostages from the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the nation’s moral duty to secure their release.
Speaking at an event at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, he acknowledged the ongoing hardship of war, honoring Israel Defense Forces soldiers, displaced citizens and those still in captivity.
“These are critical moments in which I repeat my call to complete all stages of the deal and swiftly bring back all our abducted brothers and sisters—every last one of them,” Herzog said.
Under the six-week first phase of the truce agreement, Hamas has committed to releasing 33 hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian terrorists. Following Saturday’s release, 18 hostages have been freed so far.
According to Israeli estimates, there are 79 hostages still in Hamas captivity in Gaza, including 76 abducted on Oct. 7, 2023.
Of the 251 hostages taken on Oct. 7, 175 have been returned or rescued, and Hamas is believed to be holding 35 bodies, 34 of them taken during the cross-border invasion and that of IDF Lt. Hadar Goldin, which was taken by the Palestinian terrorist group in 2014.
“Of course, I do not take lightly the fears, concerns, and pain associated with this deal—I understand them well,” Herzog continued. “But we must remember: this is the highest covenant between the state and its citizens. We are all worried for our brothers and sisters still held by the terrorist organizations in Gaza, including the beloved Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, whose fate has gripped the entire nation in anxiety for nearly 500 days,” he continued.
“On behalf of us all, I embrace the families of the hostages—those whose loved ones have returned and are now facing the long and difficult path of recovery and healing, and those who still live in anguish, yearning for news that will grant them a breath of relief.
“I once again call on all of us to uphold Israel’s sacred mutual responsibility and to recognize the profound truth that whoever saves a single life, it is as if they have saved an entire world. Together with you, I pray for the recovery of the wounded, for the success and safety of all IDF soldiers, and for the return of displaced families and communities to their homes,” the president concluded.
