Exclusive US Coverage and Analysis: Leaders Call for Immediate Release of Hostages Held by Hamas

President Joe Biden and a coalition of 17 other world leaders are urging Hamas to release hostages held in Gaza in a joint statement released on Thursday. The statement, signed by countries including Argentina, France, Germany, and the UK, emphasizes the need for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages to bring stability to the region.

The call for action comes after Hamas released a proof-of-life video showing Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who has been held captive for over 200 days. In the video, Mr. Goldberg-Polin accuses Israel of abandoning hostages and claims that 70 captives have been killed in Israeli bombings.

President Biden recently met with another hostage, four-year-old Abigail Edan, who was released as part of a temporary ceasefire deal. The meeting, which took place in the Oval Office, lasted over an hour and highlighted the urgency of the situation.

A senior Biden administration official blamed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar for the continued hostilities, stating that Hamas’s rejection of the pending hostage deal is prolonging the crisis. The official emphasized the need for Hamas to release women, wounded, elderly, and sick hostages to bring about a ceasefire.

The joint statement from world leaders underscores the international concern for the hostages and civilian population in Gaza, urging Hamas to accept the deal on the table. The leaders are calling for an end to the crisis and a focus on bringing peace and stability to the region.