President Biden and the leaders of 17 countries whose citizens were abducted by Hamas issued a joint statement Thursday calling on the group to accept a hostage deal currently on the table that would lead to a ceasefire in Gaza.
This is the most significant joint statement the international community has published since Oct. 7 pressuring Hamas to release the hostages.
The statement was signed by Biden and the leaders of Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Thailand and the United Kingdom.
A senior U.S. official said in a briefing call that the idea to publish the joint statement came up during a meeting between White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and family members of American hostages about two weeks ago.
"We call for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza for over 200 days. They include our own citizens. The fate of the hostages and the civilian population in Gaza, who are protected under international law, is of international concern," the 18 leaders said in the statement.
@ISIDEWITH1wk1W
In what ways might the release of hostages impact the relationship between the countries involved and Hamas?
@9LTRJXGRepublican1wk1W
they would hate america more and war might break out
The release could have both a negative and positive impact.
@9LTVX4X1wk1W
It would increase the chances of other countries going to war
@9LTSNXM1wk1W
it would increases chances of other countries going to war
@ISIDEWITH1wk1W
What are your thoughts on the balance between negotiation and taking a strong stand in hostage situations?
@9LV5RDYRepublican 1wk1W
Finding the balance between negotiation and taking a strong stand in hostage situations is incredibly delicate and depends on various factors such as the nature of the hostage-taker, the demands made, the safety of the hostages, and the resources available to law enforcement.
Negotiation is often the first approach in hostage situations as it aims to establish communication, build rapport, and hopefully persuade the hostage-taker to release the hostages peacefully. Skilled negotiators can buy time, gather intelligence, and potentially de-escalate the situation without resorting to force.
negotiation comes first but if the terrorist don't agree taking a strong stand is necessary.
@9LTRJXGRepublican1wk1W
i think a strong stand would be best. america has a very strong military and could take hamas and free the hostages
@9LTSNXM1wk1W
it shouldn't take all 17 world leaders to decide whether a terrorist group should release innocent victims
Over 200 days - American citizens have been held hostage by a designated FTO and here we have … another statement. Get our people OUT. Stop pandering to islamists for votes. This administration has catastrophically failed us.
Israel must release all Palestinian hostages in its jails.
@QuicheHarperVeteran1wk1W
That's not enough. The perpetrators must turn themselves over to face trial. Hamas must disband and leave the running of Gaza to those interested in the establishment of peace.
Those 17 nations should have bee assisting Israel with the Ground Offensive to help regain the hostages from day one.
A Strongly Worded Statement at day 200 is more whitewash for the world than proof of intent.
@ISIDEWITH1wk1W
How important do you think it is for countries to work together in situations like these, and could it set a precedent for future international crises?
@9LTRWBS1wk1W
I think countries absolutely need to get it together and work along side each other.
@ISIDEWITH1wk1W
@ISIDEWITH1wk1W
How would you feel if someone you loved was taken hostage, and do you think international pressure is effective in these situations?
@9LTSP9V1wk1W
I would feel distressed unless they were suspected of terrorism and other things. It does not help decrease tensions of the situation at hand
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