WASHINGTON: Leaders from 18 countries, including the United States, Britain, and France on Thursday urged the Palestinian resistance group Hamas to release the scores of hostages it is holding.
In a joint statement, the 18 countries’ leaders demanded the release of hostages held by Hamas for over 200 days. The hostages were held during an attack on October 7. The Israeli government has vowed to eliminate Hamas responsible for the abduction.
“We call for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza for over 200 days. They include our own citizens,” the leaders stated in their statement.
Emphasizing the potential benefits of securing the hostages’ release, the leaders highlighted a proposed deal that would bring about an immediate and extended ceasefire in Gaza. They stressed that such an agreement would enable the delivery of crucial humanitarian aid to the region and pave the way for a credible end to hostilities.
The leaders expressed staunch support for ongoing mediation efforts aimed at securing the safe return of the hostages to their respective countries.
According to Israeli estimates, around 129 of the approximately 250 people held hostage during Hamas’s October 7 attack remain in Gaza, with 34 persons reported as dead by the Israeli military.
Since October 7, Israel has launched a relentless bombardment campaign in Gaza killing at least 34,305 Palestinians, mostly women and children.
