President Joe Biden and a coalition of 17 other world leaders are demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. In a joint statement released on Thursday, the leaders called for the acceptance of a pending deal that would bring about a ceasefire and allow for humanitarian assistance to reach those in need.
The statement, issued by countries including Argentina, France, Germany, and the UK, emphasized the international concern for the fate of the hostages and the civilian population in Gaza. The deal on the table would not only secure the release of the hostages but also pave the way for a lasting peace in the region.
The call for action comes after Hamas released a proof-of-life video showing one of the hostages, Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who has been in captivity for over 200 days. The video, made under duress, highlights the urgent need for a resolution to the crisis.
President Biden recently met with a four-year-old Israeli-American hostage who was released as part of an earlier ceasefire deal. The meeting, which took place in the Oval Office, underscored the human cost of the conflict and the importance of securing the release of all hostages.
The leaders’ joint statement places the blame for the ongoing hostilities squarely on Hamas and its leader Yahya Sinwar, who has thus far rejected the proposed deal. The international community is united in its call for the immediate release of the hostages and a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Gaza.