Romania and 17 other states signed a joint statement for the immediate release of the hostages from the Gaza Strip
The leaders of 18 countries, including the president of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, signed a joint statement calling on Hamas to accept a cease-fire agreement and the release of the hostages.
“As leaders of countries deeply concerned for the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, including many of our own citizens, we fully support the movement towards a ceasefire and hostage release deal now on the table and as outlined by President Biden on May 31, 2024,” the letter said. “There is no time to lose.”
Last week, U.S. President Joe Biden outlined a three-phase, cease-fire proposal.
The first phase would last six weeks and establish a “full and complete cease-fire” as Israeli forces withdrew from densely populated areas of Gaza and humanitarian assistance into the region surged. Meanwhile, Hamas would release a number of hostages, including women, the elderly and the wounded in exchange for Israel freeing hundreds of Palestinian protesters.
The second phase calls for the release of all remaining living hostages and Israeli forces withdrawing from Gaza completely.
The final phase would focus on the reconstruction of Gaza.
In addition to the U.S., the leaders of Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Thailand and the United Kingdom signed onto the statement.
