At Hostages Square during nationwide strike, Herzog urges global pressure on Hamas

President Isaac Herzog visits Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as demonstrators gather for a nationwide strike demanding the release of hostages held by terror groups in Gaza and an end to the war.

He meets with families of hostages and speaks to the press during the visit.

“There’s no Israeli who doesn’t want them back home,” the president says. “We can argue about philosophies, but truly, the people of Israel wants our brothers and sisters back home.”

In a message to the 50 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, at least 20 of whom are thought to be alive, he says: “We haven’t forgotten you for a moment. We’re making every effort to bring you back home.”

Switching to English, Herzog urges the international community to step up pressure on Hamas.

“I’m here to say to the international media and to the international decision makers: Our sons and daughters are there in the dungeons of Gaza for 681 days,” Herzog says alongside Sharon Sharabi, brother of released hostage Eli Sharabi, and Yael Adar, the mother of Tamir Adar, who was killed in battle by Hamas during its attack on October 7, 2023, and whose body remains held in Gaza.

“We want them back home as soon as possible. The world should want them back home as soon as possible. Stop being a bunch of hypocrites. Press – because when you know how to press, you press, press and tell Hamas, ‘No deal, no nothing, until you release them,'” he continues.

“I want to say to our brothers and sisters all over the world, we are together in this plight. We want the hostages back home. They are the most important issue on world affairs, and we want to see them back home as soon as possible,” Herzog adds.

According to a statement from his office, Herzog is also meeting privately with additional hostages’ families “to hear their testimonies and to express his solidarity and support.”