Israeli President Isaac Herzog told global policymakers at London’s Chatham House that freeing Hamas’s hostages is the only gateway to peace, warning that unilateral Palestinian recognition would “reward terror” and embolden Hamas.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog delivered a forceful address on Wednesday at Chatham House – The Royal Institute of International Affairs in London, urging the international community to focus on the hostage crisis in Gaza as the decisive step toward ending the conflict and shaping the region’s future.
Holding up a photograph of twin brothers Gali and Ziv Berman, kidnapped musicians from Kibbutz Kfar Aza marking their 28th birthday in captivity, Herzog declared:
“Their fate is unknown. They, and 46 other innocent hostages, are held in brutal captivity. The key to changing the entire future of the region – the only way to open the door to peace – is to bring the hostages home.”
Herzog stressed that Israel has accepted every serious deal proposed by mediators, including the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, but that Hamas alone blocks progress:
“Israel is ready today for a full hostage deal and a ceasefire. But for that to happen, Hamas must simply say ‘yes.’ One rejection from a single Hamas leader is enough to block progress.”
The President warned against unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, saying it would only embolden Hamas:
“Unilateral recognition will not free one hostage, will not feed one Palestinian, and will only embolden Hamas and reward terror.”
On humanitarian aid, Herzog pointed out that more than 600 trucks of food and medicine entered Gaza in the past 24 hours, yet Hamas hijacks and resells supplies at triple the price. He called for international mechanisms to bypass Hamas and deliver aid directly to families.
Broadening the stakes, Herzog framed Israel’s struggle as part of a global battle against jihadist extremism:
“We are defending Europe. We are defending western values and the free world with the blood and the tears of our sons and daughters. We are fighting an aggressive, barbaric enemy armed by Iran. This is not only Israel’s war – it is the free world’s.”
Concluding with an appeal to shared democratic values, Herzog urged:
“Our message is simple: help us bring the hostages home, defeat Hamas, and build a future of peace.”
