G7 Leaders Urge Hamas to Agree to Hostage Deal

BARI, Italy – On Thursday, leaders of the G7 called on Palestinian terrorist group Hamas to accept a ceasefire roadmap in Gaza, initially proposed by US President Joe Biden in May. The UN Security Council has backed the plan, emphasizing the need for its implementation.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed the importance of Hamas's compliance, stating, “We therefore call on Hamas in particular to give the necessary consent so that this can now work.”

President Biden's initiative aims to secure a truce and the release of hostages. The plan's key elements include a phased approach, starting with a six-week truce where Hamas would release female, elderly, and sick hostages. In return, Israel would free Palestinian security prisoners, withdraw the IDF from Gaza's population centers, and allow humanitarian aid into the enclave.

Despite these efforts, Hamas's response has been contentious. The group has demanded a permanent end to the conflict, which Israel has rejected. On Monday, Hamas proposed amendments to the deal, which Israel perceived as a rejection.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, hosting the summit, reaffirmed unanimous G7 support for the US mediation proposal, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The G7 nations—Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, and the US—also advocated for the release of all hostages and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The conflict escalated following Hamas's October 7 attack, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 251. The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry reports over 37,000 casualties, including 15,000 terror operatives killed by Israel. Additionally, Israel states that 1,000 terrorists were killed during the initial attack inside Israel.

Currently, 116 hostages remain in Gaza, including the confirmed deaths of 41 individuals. Israel has reported 299 soldiers and one police officer killed in the ongoing ground offensive and border operations, along with a civilian Defense Ministry contractor.

World leaders continue to press for a resolution, urging Hamas to accept the proposed deal and mitigate further suffering.

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