Releasing hostages is key to solving Gaza humanitarian crisis, Herzog says in Vilnius visit

By Nava Freiberg

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4 August 2025, 2:56 pm

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Nava Freiberg is The Times of Israel's deputy diplomatic correspondent.

President Isaac Herzog holds up a photo of hostage Rom Braslavski as he speaks alongside Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, in Vilnius, on August 4, 2025. (Omer Meron/GPO)

On a diplomatic visit to the Baltic states, President Isaac Herzog says the release of hostages held in Gaza is “the key to resolving the severe crisis in Gaza,” and rejects allegations that Israel is causing starvation in the wartorn Strip.

Speaking in Vilnius alongside Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda after a private meeting between the two, Herzog holds up pictures of hostages Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David, who appeared severely emaciated in videos released by Hamas and allied terror group Palestinian Islamic Jihad in recent days.

“These horrifying images are further evidence of the cruel torture inflicted on innocent Israelis held by Hamas – even as Israel ensures the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza,” says Herzog, speaking in Hebrew.

David and Braslavski, who are among the 50 hostages still held in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive, are in “immediate, life-threatening danger,” Herzog continues, adding that David “is of Lithuanian heritage,” though he does not hold citizenship.

The world “must not remain silent,” the president continues, saying, “They must all be brought home. That is the key to resolving the severe crisis in Gaza and the wider Middle East.”

“We deeply mourn every innocent life lost,” Herzog says, while emphasizing that Israel is “making tremendous efforts to address the humanitarian situation, in accordance with international law.

“Just this week alone, 23,000 tons of humanitarian aid entered Gaza,” he asserts. “Hundreds of trucks are waiting to be distributed — but the United Nations has failed to do so efficiently.”

The UN has claimed that Israeli policies have prevented it from being able to safely deliver aid.

“While Israel delivers humanitarian aid into Gaza, innocent Israelis are held underground, tortured, and stripped of all rights. This must shake the conscience of the entire world,” Herzog continues.

“The world must, must rise up — and there is only one path: bring them all home!” he concludes.