Leaders from 18 nations, including the United States, Britain, and France, issued a unified call on Thursday for Hamas to release the numerous captives it has been holding since an attack on October 7.
The joint statement emphasized the urgency of freeing all hostages, which include citizens from several of the participating nations, who have been detained for over 200 days in Gaza.
The October 7 attack by the Hamas resistance group instigated a military response from Israel, resulting in a devastating conflict.
Israel estimates that around 129 of the approximately 250 individuals abducted during the attack remain in Gaza, with 34 presumed dead.
The total death toll from the conflict, according to official Israeli figures, stands at 1,170.
The coalition of nations stressed the potential for a swift and lasting ceasefire if the hostages are released, which would enable the delivery of crucial humanitarian aid to Gaza.
They expressed strong support for ongoing mediation efforts aimed at securing the safe return of the captives and bringing an end to the hostilities.
Meanwhile, the health ministry in Gaza, under Hamas administration, reported that over 34,305 people have lost their lives during the more than six months of brutal warfare against Palestinians in the territory.
The call for the release of captives comes amidst escalating tensions and humanitarian concerns in the region.
