Leaders of 18 countries in a joint appeal demanded that Hamas immediately release all hostages, including citizens held by the militants for more than 200 days in Gaza.

The statement, published on the White House website, emphasizes that the release of hostages will facilitate an immediate and lasting ceasefire, as well as the flow of humanitarian aid and the return of peaceful life to the people of Gaza.

The leaders expressed support for mediation efforts to return the hostages and called on Hamas to end the crisis in order to restore peace and stability in the region.

Countries such as the USA, Argentina, Austria, Bulgaria, Brazil, Denmark, Spain, Canada, Colombia, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Great Britain, Thailand, Hungary and France joined the appeal.