Eighteen countries with citizens held in Gaza call for release of captives

Eighteen countries have written a joint statement calling on Hamas to release all captives still being held in Gaza. 

"We call for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza now for over 200 days," a statement by the countries said.

The 18 countries all have citizens held by Palestinian groups in Gaza. Around 129 captives out of the 253 taken on 7 October are believed to still be held in the enclave.

The signatories were the leaders of the United States, Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Thailand and Britain.

"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," the statement said.

"Gazans would be able to return to their homes and their lands with preparations beforehand to ensure shelter and humanitarian provisions."