Families of US hostages: ‘Time long past due’ for deal, ‘world leaders must not waver’

The families of eight American citizens held hostage by Hamas call for a deal to be reached to free their loved ones, after the US issued a joint appeal with Egypt and Qatar for Israel and the terror group to resume negotiations next week in order to swiftly seal an agreement.

“We are appreciative to President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for their continued leadership and mediation in the international efforts to bring our loved ones home,” the families say in a statement.

“A responsible agreement is on the table, and the negotiations must be finalized,” they add, saying “the time is long past due to bring all the hostages home, end the plight of Gaza’s civilians and avert a major regional war. World leaders must not waver at this crucial moment.”