Leaders of 17 Countries Support Biden's Plan for Ceasefire in Gaza

On Thursday, June 7, leaders from 17 countries issued a joint statement expressing their full support for the plan announced by U.S. President Joe Biden to establish a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of hostages. They expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of several of their citizens by Hamas and emphasized that there is no time to lose, urging the group, backed by the Islamic Republic, to accept Biden's plan, 'which Israel is ready to advance,' and to 'begin the process of freeing our citizens.' According to the statement, Biden's plan would lead to an immediate ceasefire and the reconstruction of Gaza, providing security guarantees for both Israelis and Palestinians, and creating more opportunities for long-term peace and a two-state solution. The leaders of the 17 countries signing the statement further called on the leaders of Israel and Hamas to reach 'any final compromise' to sign an agreement and reassure the families of hostages, as well as both sides of the conflict, especially civilians affected by the war. The leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Austria, Poland, Denmark, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Thailand concluded their statement by emphasizing that 'the time to end the war has come, and this plan is a necessary starting point.' Additionally, the European Union had previously expressed its 'full support' for the roadmap proposed by the U.S. President on Tuesday, June 6, stating that this plan would lead to a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and increased humanitarian aid. The EU expressed regret over the civilian casualties in the Gaza war, noting that 'the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas, as well as the increase in humanitarian aid needed by the people of Gaza, requires a sustainable ceasefire, and the U.S. President's plan could guarantee peace and stability in the Middle East for both nations and for the region and globally.' The EU also appreciated the ongoing efforts of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar in facilitating negotiations to end the war between Israel and Hamas while ensuring Israel's security, urging both sides to accept this three-phase proposal and participate in reviving a political process for sustainable peace based on a two-state solution. Joe Biden announced on June 1 a new multi-phase proposal to end the war in Gaza, stating that if this agreement comes to fruition, 'Israel could become part of a regional security network to counter threats from Iran.' He added, 'This is an agreement that brings all hostages home, guarantees Israel's security, creates a better situation for Gaza after Hamas, and paves the way for a political solution and a better future for both Israelis and Palestinians alike.' During the terrorist attack on October 7, Palestinian militants killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, and took 253 others hostage to Gaza. Currently, about 120 hostages remain in the hands of Palestinian militants, although Israel believes that more than a third of the remaining hostages in Gaza have been killed. Previously, Israel has repeatedly stated that it would continue the battle in Gaza until the complete destruction of Hamas. Hamas has repeatedly opposed ceasefire proposals and the release of hostages. This group is recognized as a terrorist organization by the United States, Israel, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and several other countries. Efforts to stop the war in Gaza continue; Sullivan stated that there is no alternative to a sustainable ceasefire. The largest coalition partner of Netanyahu supported a potential agreement for the release of hostages. A Reuters assessment of the escalation of rocket attacks by Iraqi Shiite militants on Israel indicates that it benefits no party. An Israeli intelligence assessment indicates that more than a third of the hostages have died; signs of execution have been found in the bodies of some hostages. Israel claims to have thwarted a Hamas 'bombing plot' from within Turkey. UNRWA announced that more than a million people have left Rafah. Gallant stated that Israel is examining possible alternatives to Hamas.