On the 25th, 18 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe, issued a joint statement calling on the Islamic organization Hamas to release hostages held in the Palestinian area of Gaza. Photographed in October 2023 (2024 Reuters/Ronen Zvulun)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Eighteen countries, including the United States, Britain, and Europe, issued a joint statement on the 25th calling on the Islamic organization Hamas to release hostages held in Gaza, the Palestinian territory. This was announced by a senior US official. In response, Hamas has made it clear that it will not bow to pressure from the international community.
In a statement, the 18 countries called for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza for more than 200 days. “We emphasize that we will facilitate a further surge in the humanitarian assistance needed to ensure the end of hostilities.” “Gaza residents will be able to return to their homes and hometowns if advance preparations are made to secure shelter and humanitarian supplies.”
In addition to the United States and the United Kingdom, the leaders of Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, and Thailand signed the statement.
A senior U.S. official told reporters that although there were signs that an agreement could be reached to release the hostages, he was not convinced and said the decision was up to Hamas leaders.
Meanwhile, Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, told Reuters that Hamas would not be affected by the statement and said the United States needed to force Israel to end its invasion.
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