By Blessing Chinagorom
Israeli President, Isaac Herzog has raised concern over casualties and loss of life in a serious terror attack around the entrance to Jerusalem, the capital.
Herzog disclosed this when met with the United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken who has paid him a solidarity visit on Wednesday, he explained that two terrorists have attacked innocent civilians waiting to be picked up to go on their day’s work.
He said there are casualties, loss of life, while expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families, and of course to pray for the swift recovery of the wounded.
Harzog noted, “This is another example of the situation we’re in, the endless war that we are fighting against terror organizations, especially Hamas, in these very complicated and challenging times”.
He stated that his country working, praying and demanding the immediate release of all the hostages, and thanked the United States of America for the immense work it is devoting to the release of the hostages.
He revealed that there are still around 150 hostages who are there in Hamas hands in Gaza. “I would like to raise the plight of the Bibas family, the two young children, 10- months-old baby, four-years-old girl, and of course her parents.
Adding that, “their whereabouts are unknown to us, and we are demanding their immediate release. It was obvious that little toddlers will be released with their mother and hopefully with their father as soon as possible”.
Responding to the Israeli President, US Secretary of States said this is his fourth visit to Israel since the attack of Oct 7th, 2023 while reminded yet again by the events in Jerusalem of the threat from terrorism that Israel and Israelis face every single day.
He extended his condolences to the victims of this attack. “And like you, my heart goes out to the victims of this attack. I believe one person lost life. We’re thinking of them; we’re thinking of their families, their loved ones. And we mourn their loss just as we mourn the loss of any innocent life”.
Speaking of hostages on October 7th attack against Israel, Blinken pointed out that from day one, United States have been focused relentlessly on trying to secure the release of hostages from Gaza, from Hamas.
And he said since last week, the world have seen very positive development of hostages coming home, being reunited with families, adding that this should continue. “It’s also enabled significant increase in humanitarian assistance to go to innocent civilians in Gaza who need it desperately”.
The Secretary of State said further that he is look forward to detailed conversations with the Government of Israel about the way ahead in Gaza, he said the United States firmly supports Israel in its right to defend itself and to try to ensure that October 7th never happens again.