Jerusalem, 17 August, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited Hostage Square in Tel Aviv on Sunday, meeting families of the roughly 50 Israelis held by Hamas in Gaza. Speaking to the international media, Herzog called for urgent pressure on Hamas, saying, “Stop being a bunch of hypocrites… no deal, no nothing, until you release them.”
Joined by Sharon Sharabi, whose brother survived nearly 500 days in captivity, and Yael Adar, mother of a soldier whose body remains held by Hamas, Herzog emphasized, “Our sons and daughters are there… We want them back home as soon as possible.” He also met privately with other hostage families.
Protesters demanding an end to the war and the immediate return of the hostages launched a nationwide strike.