The United States, alongside seventeen other nations, has issued a stark appeal to the Hamas militant group for the immediate liberation of hostages held in Gaza for over 200 days. The unified stance showcases a rare consensus among countries deeply concerned with the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the stagnant peace process in the region.
In an unequivocal joint statement, the countries declared, “We call for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza now for over 200 days.” The collective includes Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. These nations have citizens among the 129 hostages still in captivity following Hamas’s deadly assault on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in the loss of 1,200 lives.
The statement further highlights the potential benefits of a hostage release, outlining a proposal that promises “an immediate and prolonged ceasefire in Gaza,” enabling “a surge of additional necessary humanitarian assistance” and the possibility of a genuine cessation of hostilities. The release of hostages, particularly vulnerable groups such as the sick, elderly, and wounded, is stipulated as a vital step to facilitate a ceasefire and restore normalcy for Gazans to “return to their homes and their lands with preparations beforehand to ensure shelter and humanitarian provisions.”
Contrary to the international appeal, Hamas’s response remains defiant. Senior Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri rebuffed the statement, shifting the onus to the United States to compel Israel to halt its aggression. However, the sentiment from Hamas’s echelons demonstrates an unyielding stance, as they retain the hostages and sustain their demands.
In the wake of this impasse, a senior U.S. official expressed tempered optimism, suggesting the potential for an agreement on the hostage crisis, though confidence is not absolute. The official underscored the crux of the resolution rests on a single figure, Hamas Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar, who is portrayed as the ultimate arbiter in the unfolding drama.
The pressing appeal comes in the wake of President Joe Biden’s poignant meeting with former hostage Abigail Edan, a 4-year-old American girl whose tragic ordeal saw her captured and her parents slain by Hamas fighters. Her presence in the Oval Office served as a humanizing reminder of the stakes involved and the lives hanging in the balance.
An administration official cast Sinwar as the key obstacle, indicating that the Hamas leader is holding back from consenting to release a “vulnerable category of hostages” that could catalyze a ceasefire and bring relief to Gazans. Furthermore, the Hamas chief has purportedly vetoed proposals that align with most of Hamas’s demands, leading to skepticism about his commitment to the hostages’ welfare and peace.
Relevant articles:
– US, 17 other countries urge Hamas to release hostages, end Gaza crisis, reuters.com, 04/26/2024
– U.S. and 17 other countries demand that Hamas release hostages held in Gaza, NBC News, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 18:09:25 GMT
– US, 17 other countries release joint statement demanding Hamas release the hostages, The Jerusalem Post, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 17:17:00 GMT
– 18 countries demand hostage release; US: There’s a deal on the table, Hamas rejected it, The Times of Israel, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 17:21:00 GMT
– Biden, 17 world leaders demand Hamas release hostages, Voice of America – VOA News, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 17:27:58 GMT