Bangkok Post

18 nations implore Hamas

- WASSANA NANUAM

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday released a joint statement from the leaders of 18 countries calling for the release of hostages held in Gaza.

The statement, made by the leaders of Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States, called for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, for over 200 days, including their own citizens.

It also reads: “The fate of the hostages and the civilian population in Gaza, who are protected under internatio­nal law, is of global concern.

“We emphasise 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 lands with preparatio­ns beforehand to ensure shelter and humanitari­an provisions.

“We strongly support the ongoing mediation efforts in order to bring our people home. We reiterate our call on 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.”

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin posted on his X account on Thursday that he joined in the statement for the 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,” the premier said.

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