Herzog to Harris: No Ceasefire Without Hostage Release

President Yitzhak Herzog spoke with American Vice President Kamala Harris, thanking her for her country’s strong stand with Israel and clarifying that there will be no cease fire without the hostages being released.

In talks between the two, Herzog noted that the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages is the primary concern of the State of Israel. The President also emphasized the statement by Prime Minister Netanyahu that there will be no cease fire without a freeing of the hostages in Hamas hands, including women, men, elderly, children, and babies, the youngest of whom is just ten months old.

Herzog: Red Cross Prevented From Visiting the Hostages

Vice President Harris stressed America’s continuing commitment to support Israel’s right to exist, while stressing the importance of the citizens of the Gaza Strip and the humanitarian situation there. In response, Herzog stated that Israel is committed to operate according to international humanitarian law while protecting itself and destroying Hamas terror infrastructure embedded within the Gazan civilian population.

Herzog stress Israel’s commitment to provide humanitarian aid but noted that the Red Cross was being prevented from visiting the Israeli captives and that no information about their condition has been provided. The two ended their conversation by expressing concern at the dramatic rise in antisemitism throughout the world, mentioning the death of a pro-Israel American at the hands of a pro-Palestinian activist during a protest in Los Angeles.