Leaders of 18 countries urge Hamas to release hostages held in Gaza

Friends and supporters of hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin protest outside Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem. Photograph: Debbie Hill/UPI/Rex/Shutterstock

The leaders of 18 countries including the US and the UK have called on Hamas to free Israeli and dual-national hostages held in Gaza.

“The fate of the hostages and the civilian population in Gaza, who are protected under international law, is of international concern,” they said. “We strongly support the ongoing mediation efforts in order to bring our people home.”