WASHINGTON (JTA) – Leaders of 18 countries call for immediate release of hostages in Gaza
The Biden administration released a joint statement from the leaders of 18 countries with citizens held hostage in Gaza, urging for their immediate release in exchange for an “immediate and prolonged ceasefire” that would result in the “end of hostilities.”
Israel, which has the largest number of citizens among the 130+ hostages still held in Gaza, did not participate in the joint call. While the statement aligns with Israel’s conditions for a hostage deal in the short term, it does not address Israel’s additional goal of removing Hamas from power.
An Israeli government official welcomed the joint statement, stating, “Israel has been part of the discussions from the beginning and is very supportive.” The Biden administration’s leadership in the joint call is notable as President Joe Biden has consistently supported Israel’s objectives of hostage release and Hamas removal.
The statement’s call for an “immediate and prolonged ceasefire” leading to the “credible end of hostilities” appears to contradict Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s intention to launch a major operation in Rafah, where significant Hamas forces are believed to be located.
Recent developments include the release of a proof of life video of American Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin and President Biden’s meeting with 4-year-old American Israeli Abigail Mor Edan, whose parents were killed in a Hamas attack.
The signatories of the joint statement, besides the United States, include countries like Britain, Argentina, Canada, France, Germany, and Spain, among others.
A long-standing hostage deal accepted by Israel would involve the exchange of hostages for Palestinian detainees held by Israel on security charges, leading to a temporary ceasefire and the return of Palestinians to their homes in Rafah.
The statement concludes by emphasizing the need for Hamas to release the hostages and end the crisis, allowing efforts to focus on bringing peace and stability to the region.