A Joint statement issued today, by the leaders of the United States, France, Germany, Spain, and the UK in addition to 13 other countries, called for the “immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza for over 200 citizens.”

The statement -released by the White House- said that the fate of “ the hostages which include our own citizens” in addition to the civilian population in Gaza are protected under international law and is of international concern.

The countries are the United States, Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.

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The 18 countries jointly called for Hamas to accept the “deal on the table” that would release the captives and bring an immediate and prolonged ceasefire in the Strip which would facilitate a surge of additional necessary humanitarian assistance to Gaza - per the statement.

It would lead to the “credible end of hostilities” and the return of Gazans to their homes with preparations beforehand to ensure shelter and humanitarian provision - it added.

“Let us end this crisis so that collectively we can focus our efforts on bringing peace and stability to the region,” the leaders said, “We strongly support the ongoing mediation efforts in order to bring our people home. We reiterate our call on Hamas to release the hostages.

The call comes as ceasefire and prisoner exchange negotiations between the Israeli Occupation and Hamas -which are mediated by Qatar and Egypt- came to a standstill after months of negotiations.

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Abu Obaida, the military spokesperson for Hamas’ military wing Al-Qassam Brigades, said earlier on Tuesday that they will not relinquish the fundamental rights and demands of their people, which are the complete withdrawal of the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) from Gaza, lifting the siege on the Strip, and the return of displaced Gaza to their homes.

Abu Obaida, in his first televised appearance since early March, added that “Israel” is shying away from the ongoing mediated ceasefire negotiations to buy more time, adding that after “200 days since the start of Operation Aqsa Typhoon, the criminal enemy still struggles to salvage its public image and save face.”

Abu Obaida warned the “Israeli” people that “time is short and opportunities are few,” in a nod to the families of the “Israeli” captives who are currently held in the Gaza Strip.

In response to “Israeli” officials claims that ramping up military pressure on Hamas in Gaza will lead to the release of captives, Abu Obaida said that the “so-called military pressure will only reinforce our steadfastness in maintaining our positions and preserving the rights of our people, refusing to compromise on them.”

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