BANGKOK: Eighteen countries’ leaders, in a joint statement on Thursday, have called for the immediate release of all hostages, including their own citizens held by Hamas in Gaza.
They are from Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The joint statement, which was made available and posted on Thailand’s Foreign Ministry website, stated that the fate of the hostages and the civilian population in Gaza, who are protected under international law, is of international concern.
“We strongly support the ongoing mediation efforts to bring our people home. We reiterate our call to Hamas to release the hostages, and let us end this crisis so that collectively we can focus our efforts on bringing peace and stability to the region,” they said.
The leaders emphasised 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.
“Gazans would be able to return to their homes and their land with preparations beforehand to ensure shelter and humanitarian provisions,” they said.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, in a post on X, formerly Twitter, called for the immediate release of all hostages, including eight Thai nationals.
“I view this matter as an urgent humanitarian issue and will continue to do my utmost for the safety and the release of our Thai nationals, so that they can return home as soon as possible,” he said. – BERNAMA
