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The United States and 17 other countries are calling for the release of hostages by Hamas and say a deal is on the table that would offer a long-term ceasefire in return.

In the letter they write: “The fate of the hostages and the civilian population in Gaza, who are protected by international law, is of international concern. We emphasize that the agreement on the table to release the hostages would lead to an immediate and long-term ceasefire in Gaza.”

In addition to the US, the call was signed by Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Thailand and the United Kingdom.