The United States, supported by a coalition of 17 other nations, has intensified its demand for the militant group Hamas to release hostages held in Gaza for over 200 days.
The joint statement, representing a diverse group of countries including Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Thailand, and the United Kingdom, articulates a clear message: “We call for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza for over 200 days. They include our own citizens. The fate of the hostages and the civilian population in Gaza, who are protected under international law, is of international concern.”
Amidst the backdrop of a proposed ceasefire, which has already garnered the approval of Israel, the statement further emphasizes the deal’s potential benefits: “We emphasize that the deal on the table to release the hostages would bring an immediate and prolonged ceasefire in Gaza, that would facilitate a surge of additional necessary humanitarian assistance to be delivered throughout Gaza, and lead to the credible end of hostilities.”
However, despite the proposed deal aligning with most of Hamas’ initial demands, Yahya Sinwar, the group’s leader in Gaza, has thus far rejected the terms. A senior administration official, in addressing the impasse, stressed the urgency of the situation: “Gazans are suffering and the question … for him is, will he agree to release this vulnerable category of hostages to secure cease-fire and relief for Gazans? And the answer that comes back from Sinwar personally, is ‘no.’”
The proposal, discussed over recent weeks and facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. as intermediaries, outlines the release of dozens of sick, elderly, and wounded hostages in Gaza in exchange for a six-week cease-fire, with potential for extension. This agreement would create a passage for humanitarian aid and allow Palestinian civilians to return to their homes in northern Gaza.
Hamas’s rejection of the proposal under Sinwar’s directive has sparked a continuation of the hostilities, with Israel having previously vowed to target Sinwar following an October 7 terror attack. As talks persist, the U.S. administration conveys cautious optimism, with an official stating, “You know, we do see some indications that there might be an avenue here, but I’m just … I’m not totally confident.”
Reflecting on the emotional gravity of the situation, President Joe Biden recently met with Abigail Edan, a 4-year-old American girl who was captured after Hamas militants killed her parents.
Relevant articles:
– US, 17 other countries call on Hamas to release hostages, chicago.suntimes.com, 04/27/2024
– U.S. and 17 other countries demand that Hamas release hostages held in Gaza, NBC News, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 18:09:25 GMT
– 18 countries demand hostage release; US: There’s a deal on the table, Hamas rejected it, The Times of Israel, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 17:20:00 GMT
– US, 17 other countries release joint statement demanding Hamas release the hostages, The Jerusalem Post, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 17:17:00 GMT