“As if they were written from the very heart of the current Israeli reality, from our aching, worrying, yearning and anxious hearts for our sisters and brothers—women and men, children and the elderly, parents and infants—who are still in the tunnels of Hamas. Their cries must be heard in every corner of the globe,” he continued.
The appeal was broadcast as the president participated in a reading of the Book of Lamentations at the Ohel Nechama Synagogue in Jerusalem. The book recounts the catastrophe of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and is traditionally recited sitting on the floor as a sign of mourning.
“We mourn together, embrace together, and cry out together for the immediate release of our brothers and sisters from the darkness of captivity, from the horrors in Gaza, from the hands of a cruel enemy. Tonight, we cry out together—bring them home!” pleaded Herzog.
The call came a day after Hamas announced a boycott of the final round of negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage-release agreement set for this Thursday.
Israel immediately accepted last week’s invitation by the United States, Egypt and Qatar to attend the meeting, which is to take place in either Cairo or Doha. Despite Hamas’s decision not to send representatives to the talks, the mediators are still planning on holding them, Kan News reported.
“I bless your shared call—my sisters and brothers—to advance the efforts and to take determined, united and brave action to free the hostages; and our shared hope—that the upcoming summit this Thursday will bring good news that will return our sisters and brothers,” said Herzog on Monday.
“It will not be easy and it will not be simple. But the voices of our brothers’ blood cry out to us from the dungeons of Gaza—the living and the dead, civilians and soldiers. We must not break the most sacred bond between us—to bring each and every one of them back to our homeland.
“The duty of a state to its citizens is first and foremost to bring them home from the enemy. With creativity, determination, courage, initiative and with all fully committed,” he added.
A senior Israeli official involved in the negotiations told Axios that Hamas’s decision to shun the talks was “a tactical move ahead of a possible attack by Iran and Hezbollah and in an attempt to get better terms for the deal.”
The official added: “If Hamas doesn’t come to the table, we will continue decimating their forces in Gaza.”
In his message, Herzog addressed these “tense and complex days” caused by Iran’s vow to avenge the targeted killing of Hamas politburo chief Ismael Haniyeh in Tehran at the end of last month.
“The State of Israel is prepared to face this multi-front threat. We have top-tier military capabilities. We have an air force and advanced multi-dimensional defense systems that are on high alert and ready. We have thorough intelligence. We have emergency and rescue systems, and a home front more prepared than ever before. We have diplomatic and security alliances and partnerships committed to thwarting any enemy action, foremost among them the strongest power in the world—the United States—which is committed to our security,” said Herzog.
U.S. President Joe Biden said during an interview with CBS News on Sunday that he believes a Gaza ceasefire is feasible before he leaves office.
“Yes. It’s still possible. The plan I put together, endorsed by the G7, endorsed by the U.N. Security Council, et cetera, is still viable. And I’m working literally every single day—and my whole team—to see to it that it doesn’t escalate into a regional war. But it easily can,” the president said.
Image - JNS/Courtesy