Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, President Isaac Herzog presented an antisemitic book titled "The End of the Jews." Herzog said that the book was written by Hamas co-founder Mahmoud al-Zahar and disclosed that Israeli forces found it in a Gaza home.
The book, adorned with a cover featuring a dagger piercing the Star of David, promotes Hamas' ideology and justifies its hate and violence against Jewish people. It glorifies historical violence against Jews in Europe, particularly praising the Holocaust and Nazi Germany.
Herzog shared details from the book, revealing chapters titled "The General Corruption of the Jews," "The World's Burning Hatred for the Jews," and "Reasons to Expel the Jews." Herzog asserts that the contents promote harmful stereotypes about Jewish people, falsely claiming they use the blood of Christian children in rituals. Herzog mentioned the book also includes antisemitic tropes, reinforcing stereotypes about Jewish preoccupation with wealth and the suppression of non-Jewish populations.
The Israeli President emphasized that the book serves as evidence of Hamas actively spreading its hateful ideology in Gaza to justify the destruction of Israel. Herzog asserted that this hatred reflected the actions of Hamas on October 7 and throughout the war, manifesting in acts of violence and terror. He called on global leaders to reject antisemitism and collaborate with Israel in combating this harmful ideology.
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In addition to presenting the antisemitic book, Herzog discussed his recent meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Thani, addressing ongoing talks for a hostage exchange deal. While acknowledging Qatar's assistance in the negotiation process, Herzog expressed concerns about the insufficient medical supplies reaching the hostages and inadequate communication about their well-being.
Despite Israel allowing medicine into Gaza for the hostages last month, the IDF alleges that some shipments did not reach the kidnapped individuals. Boxes of medication listed for certain hostages were found still sealed at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Israel estimated that 134 hostages remain in Gaza, with two Israel-Argentinian citizens recently freed in a rescue operation.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza on Sunday reported that Nasser Medical, the largest operating hospital in the Gaza Strip, is now nonfunctional due to a recent Israeli forces raid. An Israeli airstrike that hit Deir al-Balah in central Gaza on Sunday resulted in at least 18 deaths and dozens more injured, as reported by a spokesperson for Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital.
Israel has announced plans to expand military operations in Rafah if hostages held by Hamas are not returned by the start of Ramadan, according to war cabinet minister Benny Gantz. The minister emphasized a coordinated approach with American and Egyptian partners to evacuate civilians and minimize casualties. Gantz issued a direct message to Hamas, stating they have a choice to surrender, release the hostages, and allow the citizens of Gaza to celebrate Ramadan.
Herzog highlighted at the Munich conference the urgency of resolving the issue of hostages held by Hamas to move forward and improve the situation. He describes the situation initiated by Hamas as an unprecedented atrocity against Jews.
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