From the Liveblog of
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Herzog meets with envoys of countries whose citizens were kidnapped by Hamas
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
President Isaac Herzog meets with the ambassadors of Thailand, Philippines, Tanzania, and Nepal, all of which have citizens taken hostage by Hamas on October 7.
Herzog stresses the important contribution foreign nationals make to Israeli society and industry, according to the President’s Office.
“We are here because of the tragedy that has befallen the people of Israel, and many people from your nations,” Herzog continues. “We know that many of your citizens in Israel were murdered, killed, tortured, wounded, and unfortunately, taken hostage.”
Thailand lost 23 citizens, and 4 remain in the hospital, said the Thai ambassador. She adds that 29 Thai nationals are in Hamas hands.
“The news about Israel is every day in the Thai media, and we are concerned about the well being of the Thai people who are still living and working here in Israel, and also we have grave concern for those who have been abducted,” continues Pannabha Chandraramya. “We want to know whereabout they are and how could we help them.”
Four Filipinos were murdered, as were 10 Nepalis. Two Tanzanian nationals are missing.
