On 19-20 November, President Edgars Rinkēvičs paid a working visit to the State of Israel, where he met with President of Israel Isaac Herzog, family members of captured civilians, as well as Latvian nationals living in Israel.
President Rinkēvičs expressed Latvia's solidarity with the people of Israel. "Latvia stands with the people of Israel at this difficult time. There is no justification for the brutal and inhuman terrorist attacks perpetrated by the Hamas terrorist organisation. Israel has the right to self-defence, and Latvia supports Israel's fight against terrorism in accordance with humanitarian and international law," said E. Rinkēvičs.
During the conversation, the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the delivery of humanitarian aid were discussed. E. Rinkēvičs condemned the efforts of Hamas to use civilians as human shields. "The cynical and cowardly tactics of Hamas to hide behind captives and civilians deserve the strongest condemnation," the President of Latvia stressed. At the same time, E. Rinkēvičs pointed out that in the fight against terrorism, civilians must be protected to the maximum extent possible.
During a meeting with the family members of the civilians captured by Hamas during the terrorist attacks on 7 October 2023, President Rinkēvičs expressed his solidarity with the people of Israel and the relatives of the captives. E. Rinkēvičs expressed his hope for the release of the captives and their speedy return home to their families. The President of Latvia also expressed his commitment to facilitate diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the captives.
The President of Latvia also met with Latvian nationals living in Israel, with whom he discussed the current situation and potential needs for Latvia’s support. E. Rinkēvičs thanked his compatriots for maintaining their ties with Latvia and for all they have done for Latvia over the years.
