Israeli President Isaac Herzog said his main priority was to bring back home the hostages who were taken captive by the Hamas after the militant group launched its massive assault against the Jewish nation on October 7.
He made the remarks at the Presidential Palace here on Sunday on Sunday while addressing representatives and family members of those held hostages by the militant group.
The meeting was organised by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum which is spearheading the movement to bring back the hostages.
”We are in a terrible national situation. The magnitude of the pain is awful. We deeply respect the fact that you made the effort and came here. We came to help, embrace, strengthen, support and think together about the solutions. We have an enormous national challenge. It requires us to act calmly and responsibly. We want to bring our loved one’s home and it’s a challenge," Herzog said.
”As President of the state of Israel, I pledge you to do everything to bring your loved ones home. This is a top priority goal for me.”
The families expressed the severe distress to the President in light of the uncertainty and great anxiety over the fate of their loved ones.
They also conveyed to him the demand to do everything in order to return all the hostages and missing persons home safely.
According to the Israeli authorities, at least 212 people are currently held captive in Gaza, including Israelis and foreign nationals.
On October 19, the Hamas released US citizens Judith Tai Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter, Natalie Raanan, who were kidnapped shortly after the military group launched its massive assault on October 7.
As the Israel-Hamas conflict continued for a 17th consecutive day on Monday, the death toll on the two sides has increased to more than 6,000, with tens of thousands others injured or forced to displace from their homes as a result of the raging violence.
More relief, medical supplies: India continues humanitarian aid to Myanmar
In a heartwarming gesture, Myo Aung, the Chief Minister of Mandalay, visited the facility, witnessing first hand the compassionate care being extended. The Indian Army shared this on X on Tuesday with a few photos.
India, Thailand bilateral trade ties set to strengthen during PM Modi's visit
The recent years saw increased investment from Thailand in India in infrastructure, real estate, agro processing, electronics, automotive, food processing sectors, the hotel hospitality sector and the renewable energy sector.
Uproar in Lok Sabha as SP leads Oppn protest over Waqf Bill
The four-day last leg of Parliament Budget Session 2025 kicked off on an acrimonious note on Tuesday with Opposition MPs forcing an adjournment in the Lok Sabha amid protests led by Samajwadi Party members over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
PM Modi and Chilean President hold bilateral talks at Hyderabad House
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font at the Hyderabad House, where the two leaders discussed ways to enhance bilateral engagement across economic, commerce and societal domains.
EAM Jaishankar, Chilean Prez Boric discuss long-standing bilateral ties
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Tuesday held talks with Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font and discussed ways to strenghthen long-standing bilateral ties.
Bengal illegal factory blast: Death toll rises to 8, owners absconding
The police have started a massive search operation at Patharpratima and its adjacent areas to track the two owners of the illegal firecracker factory, Chandrakanta Banik and Tushar Banik, who have gone absconding since the blast took place at around 10 p.m. on Monday.
Commercial LPG cylinder prices cut by Rs 41 in relief for businesses
In a big relief for industries and businesses that rely heavily on cooking fuel, oil marketing companies on Tuesday announced a price cut of Rs 41 on commercial LPG gas cylinders (19 kilograms).
Yunus statement on northeastern states offensive, condemnable: Assam CM Sarma
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said the statement of Bangladesh interim government’s chief advisor Muhammad Yunus regarding the seven states of northeast is offensive and condemnable.