Terms of hostage deal aren’t easy, but they are necessary, Herzog says

President Isaac Herzog notes that many different elements of the hostage release-ceasefire deal — including the release of convicted Palestinian terrorists — are not easy for the country, but necessary.

“This deal — when approved and implemented — will bring with it deeply painful, challenging, and harrowing moments,” says Herzog. “I respect and deeply empathize with the fears and pain this deal evokes.”

Herzog says that throughout more than a year of fighting in Gaza, “at great cost in blood, through enormous security, diplomatic and societal efforts, we have created a moment of opportunity. We must seize it.”

The president notes that for the families of the hostages, “these hours and days are hell on earth. I call on all of us to show immense sensitivity to all the families of the captives — including those who are deeply pained by this deal. I ask to especially embrace the anxious and grieving families, who fear their loved ones will not return in the first stage of the deal.”

Herzog thanks Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli team, Qatar, Egypt and both outgoing US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump for their efforts to reach a deal, and vows to “continue to act with all our might until every stage of the deal is realized and the last hostage returns.”