Herzog calls Gaza deal ‘historic moment’ that could reshape region, despite costs

Hours ahead of the expected release of the hostages from Gaza under a US-brokered ceasefire deal, President Isaac Herzog delivers a hopeful Hebrew-language address to crowds gathered at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square calling the agreement “a historic moment” that could reshape the Middle East, despite some drawbacks.

“It’s important to say – this agreement is not simple. It will include some very painful elements, and they already are painful,” Herzog says, without specifying which elements he is referring to. “But we understand that this is a historic moment that can also provide a genuine horizon of hope and change for the Middle East.”

Israel is “eagerly awaiting” the arrival of US President Donald Trump tomorrow, Herzog states.

“We want to welcome him among us, to thank him from the bottom of our hearts – him and his team – for their tremendous effort, as well as the mediators and everyone who took part,” the president says.

Israel wants the US “to build the next stages [of the deal] so that we will see real change in Israel and the Middle East – in Gaza and everywhere – that will bring us true change and hope,” he adds.