U.S. and 17 other countries demand that Hamas release hostages held in Gaza

The United States and 17 other countries demanded Hamas release all the hostages it holds in Gaza as Biden administration officials tried to ratchet up global pressure on the militant group, which the White House blames for blocking a cease-fire deal that would see the release of hostages.

“We call for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza for over 200 days. They include our own citizens,” the joint statement said. “The fate of the hostages and the civilian population in Gaza, who are protected under international law, is of international concern.”

The letter was signed by the leaders of the U.S., Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

“We emphasize that the deal on the table to release the hostages would bring an immediate and prolonged ceasefire in Gaza, that would facilitate a surge of additional necessary humanitarian assistance to be delivered throughout Gaza, and lead to the credible end of hostilities,” the statement said. “Gazans would be able to return to their homes and their lands with preparations beforehand to ensure shelter and humanitarian provisions.”

A senior administration official told reporters in a telephone briefing that the joint statement from such a long list of governments was “quite extraordinary” and that an earlier attempt to organize a similar appeal was not possible given “some of the disagreements.”

The proposal on the table that has been discussed in recent weeks calls for the release of dozens of sick, elderly and wounded hostages in Gaza in return for a six-week cease-fire that could be extended. Qatar, Egypt and the U.S. have acted as