18 countries including US urges Hamas to release the hostages

America along with 17 countries whose citizens are also being held hostage in Gaza, released a joint statement on Thursday for the first time during the conflict, calling on Hamas to release the remaining hostages.

“We call for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas and Gaza now for over 200 days. They include our citizens,” the statement said. “The fate of the hostages and the civilian population in Gaza who are protected under international law is of international concern.”

The statement is signed by leaders from the United States, Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

According to the statement, the leaders said they emphasize the deal on the table which would bring an immediate and prolonged ceasefire, facilitate a surge of necessary humanitarian assistance and lead to a credible end of hostilities.

“Gazans would be able to return to their homes and their lands with preparations beforehand to ensure shelter and humanitarian provisions,” according to the statement.

Reaction from Hostages Families

“We welcome the statement from world leaders calling for the immediate release of all hostages, and putting the issue of the hostages as a top international priority. We are grateful to all the countries that participated in this joint call, and we urge other world leaders to unite in this demand.

This statement is the result of diplomatic efforts carried out by the families of the hostages over recent months, alongside cooperation from decision-makers worldwide, aimed at bringing home all the hostages, the living for rehabilitation and the murdered for burial.

We are hopeful that this unified message will exert significant pressure on Hamas to release all the hostages.”