WASHINGTON, D.C. In a concerted effort to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza, the United States, joined by 17 other nations, issued a collective plea on Thursday, urging Hamas to release all hostages currently held captive. Despite the international appeal, Hamas remains resolute in its stance against yielding to external pressures.
The joint statement issued by the 18 nations emphasized the urgency of releasing hostages who have been held by Hamas for over 200 days. A senior U.S. official described the unified call as an exceptional display of solidarity among nations affected by the crisis.
These countries, including the United States, Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Thailand, and Britain, underscored the potential for a swift and enduring ceasefire in Gaza through the release of hostages.
“The deal on the table to release the hostages would bring an immediate and prolonged ceasefire in Gaza, facilitate humanitarian assistance delivery, and lead to the credible end of hostilities,” the statement affirmed.
Highlighting the potential benefits of such an agreement, the statement outlined provisions for the safe return of Gazans to their homes and lands, with adequate preparations for shelter and humanitarian aid.
Reacting to the international pressure, Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas leader, dismissed the statement, asserting that Hamas would not be swayed by external influences. Zuhri insisted that the United States should prioritize pressuring Israel to cease its aggression.
“The ball now is in the American court,” Zuhri declared.
While expressing cautious optimism about the possibility of an agreement, a senior U.S. official acknowledged uncertainties surrounding the resolution, particularly dependent on Hamas Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar.
The proposed hostage agreement, tabled earlier this year, entails the release of sick, elderly, and wounded hostages in Gaza in exchange for a six-week ceasefire, extendable to facilitate additional humanitarian aid deliveries. It also permits the unrestricted return of Gaza citizens to northern Gaza.
The genesis of the joint statement traces back to a meeting two weeks ago between White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and a group of family members of Gaza hostages. Its issuance coincided with President Joe Biden’s meeting with former hostage Abigail Edan, a 4-year-old American girl, who had been captured following the slaying of her parents by Hamas fighters. The child reportedly played in the Oval Office and ventured beneath the president’s Resolute desk.
U.S. officials are currently reviewing a video released on Tuesday featuring an American hostage, Hersh Golberg-Polin.
Israeli officials refrained from immediate confirmation or commentary on the statement. However, Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer attributed the stalled negotiations to Hamas, emphasizing the group’s reluctance to engage in constructive dialogue.
“It is Hamas that is dragging their feet… They must be let go right now,” Mencer asserted in response to inquiries regarding hostage diplomacy.
The international community’s collective plea underscores growing concerns over the protracted crisis in Gaza and the imperative of finding a swift resolution to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
