Staff Reports
On Thursday, President Joe Biden and 17 other world leaders made a joint statement, demanding that Hamas release around 130 hostages they have held since October 7. The leaders emphasized that the hostages, including some from their own countries, and the civilian population in Gaza are of international concern. They called for an immediate release of the hostages as it would bring about a prolonged ceasefire in Gaza and allow for much-needed humanitarian aid to be delivered.
The United States proposed a ceasefire deal with Hamas, which would have resulted in the phased release of the hostages and allowed for significant humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. However, Hamas did not agree to the deal. The refusal of Hamas to accept the proposal was blamed on the leader, Yahya Sinwar.
When will the “Free Palestine” protestors demand Hamas release the hostages? When will they condemn Hamas? I don’t see that at all. Not at all.https://t.co/chrByrerpP
— Shaye Moss and Ruby Freeman are American Heroes! (@Sandra137198021) April 25, 2024
The leaders who signed the joint statement included those from Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. The leaders were disappointed by Hamas’s rejection of the ceasefire deal, which would have brought relief to the suffering people in Gaza.
Earlier this week, a propaganda video was released by Hamas, featuring one of the hostages, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who had his left hand severed midway up his forearm. The FBI is currently analyzing the video to gather any possible intelligence. President Biden also met with one of the hostages, a 4-year-old American Israeli, Abigail Edan, who had been taken hostage by Hamas and later released during a ceasefire in late November.
The leaders’ demand for the release of the hostages reflects their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of their citizens and the people in Gaza. The refusal of Hamas to agree to the proposed ceasefire deal highlights the challenges in reaching a peaceful resolution in the region.
The joint statement from the world leaders underscores the urgent need for action to end the suffering and bring about a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.
