Commemorating six months since October 7, Herzog says Israel is ‘obligated’ to free the hostages

In a statement commemorating the six-month anniversary of the October 7 Hamas massacre in southern Israel, President Isaac Herzog says Israel is obligated “to do everything, creatively, persistently with determination,” in its power to secure the release of the hostages still held in Gaza.

“Tomorrow at 6:29 a.m., we will mark six months since the brutal terrorist attack and the terrible massacre,” he writes, referring to the exact time that Hamas began firing rockets into Israel on the morning of October 7.

“Half a year since the crime against our sisters and brothers, against our country, against humanity,” he continues, calling the war against Hamas “heavy in days and heavy in blood.”

Recounting the events of the last half a year, Herzog writes that “despite the pain and upheaval, I am full of hope and believe in us.”

“For half a year, I have seen Israeli society in all its glory…half a year, and every day I feel anew immense pride to be part of this nation.”

“It’s hard to know what challenges we still face,” he adds. “But despite the long and difficult road, I look at you, citizens of Israel, and know — we will be restored, and healed and rebuilt — and we will put up mezuzahs, and we will plant, and we will reap with joy what we have sown with tears, and we will prove to the whole world: The people of Israel live!”