Hostage families urge US, other countries to press Israel to reach deal with Hamas

Families of hostages being held in Gaza call on the United States and other governments with citizens among the captives to pressure Israel to strike a deal with Hamas for their return.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum says it appealed to a number of countries to “exert your influence on the Israeli government” and push for an agreement.

“At this crucial moment, while a tangible opportunity for the release of the hostages is on the table, it is of the utmost importance that your government manifest its strong support for such an agreement,” the group says in a message sent to the ambassadors of all countries with citizens among the hostages seized by terrorists on October 7.

“This is the time to exert your influence on the Israeli government and all other parties concerned to ensure that the agreement comes through which will finally bring all our loved ones home,” it says.

Today’s message came after Hamas announced that it had accepted a ceasefire plan proposed by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, saying the ball was now in Israel’s court. Israel says the deal is not the same one it had agreed to.