Pres. Herzog refutes Gaza starvation allegations, says ‘Israel adamantly committed to int'l law’ on first frontline visit

President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday visited the Gaza Strip for the first time since the start of the Oct. 7 "Iron Swords" War, where he met with military leaders and received a “full and detailed update” on humanitarian aid efforts in the enclave. 

Herzog was briefed on "the extensive efforts to ensure humanitarian aid reaches the people of Gaza – despite the danger, despite the pain of knowing our hostages are still held in brutal captivity,” he stated. 

President Herzog reiterated the position of the Israeli government emphasizing that “What is absolutely clear is that the true obstacle to humanitarian relief is Hamas.” “Huge quantities of aid are flowing in – in conjunction with UN and EU efforts agreed by Israel,” Herzog continued.

Today I visited the Gaza Strip. I spoke to commanders and soldiers of the IDF on the frontline fighting to bring our hostages home, and to remove Hamas’ vast terror network and tunnels aimed at killing our citizens.

I received a full and detailed update on the extensive efforts… https://t.co/0bm9gfqKiz

— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) July 23, 2025

The President also highlighted the work of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation despite the efforts of Hamas to interfere. 

“Hamas loots the aid and prevents its proper distribution,” Herzog stated. “All this whilst the GHF distribution is also being procured.” 

📣 We are offering to deliver @UN and other international organization aid for free.

Recent @cogatonline footage revealed 950 trucks loaded with food aid sitting idle inside Gaza.

“Our door remains open. We are prepared to support the safe and accountable delivery of UN aid… https://t.co/dIZtTBEX1u

— Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (@GHFUpdates) July 23, 2025

Herzog again reinforced the claim of Hamas’ culpability in the suffering of Gaza residents, saying, “Let’s be clear: It is the terrorists of Hamas – hijacking aid, and refusing to agree to a hostage release and ceasefire – who are kidnapping the civilian Gaza population and subjecting them to their tragic suffering.” 

He also rejected claims that Israel is intentionally violating international law in its war efforts against Hamas. 

“Israel is adamantly committed to the rules of international humanitarian law,” Herzog affirmed. “Even in the midst of war, we are doing everything possible to help civilians in need – in keeping with international law, and our Israeli and Jewish values.” 

President Herzog also spoke to IDF commanders and reserve soldiers, praising them for their willingness to serve despite the burden to their families. 

“When you hear and see firsthand, you understand that everything you are doing is intended to protect the citizens of the State of Israel, is intended to protect the border communities and is intended to protect the entire country,” Herzog told the reservists.

“You leave work, family, routine - and come without hesitation, because you know that there is no substitute for your presence. It is also important for me to reflect the enormous burden on the reservists.” 

“You are fighting to change the reality and return our hostages,” Herzog encouraged the soldiers. “There are intensive negotiations, thanks to your activity and thanks to everyone who is fighting in the Gaza Strip – you will bring the hostages back to us.” 

President Herzog also addressed the controversy over ultra-Orthodox enlistment that is threatening to tear apart the government.

“There are changes and transformations within the Haredi community that need to be carried out. Ultimately, I want everyone to get under the stretcher,” the president said, using a common Israeli idiom.

“And there is a process happening here – I know this, among other things, because I have visited many bereaved families, including Haredi families whose stories are not being told.” 

The Israeli president also met with the female observer and reconnaissance soldiers, who told him that there have been noticeable changes in the battalion since before the war, when they had reported various signs of Hamas preparations for a large-scale activity, and were ignored.