American pressure has 'no value,' Hamas official retorts, even as administration official says proposed truce would ultimately lead to a permanent ceasefire, a core Hamas demand The post 18 countries demand hostage release;

The United States, alongside seventeen other nations, has issued a stark appeal to the Hamas militant group for the immediate liberation of hostages held in Gaza for over 200 days. The unified stance showcases a rare consensus among countries deeply concerned with the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the stagnant peace process in the region.

The United States and 17 other countries on Thursday issued an appeal for Hamas to release all of its hostages as a pathway to end the crisis in Gaza, but the group vowed not to relent to international pressure.