US and allies issue statement on Gaza ceasefire deal

The White House issued a statement where, along with several US allies, it called on Hamas to accept the Israeli ceasefire proposal that was outlined by US President Joe Biden last week.

The statement, attributed to the leaders of the US, Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Thailand and the UK, said they "fully support the movement towards a ceasefire and hostage release deal now on the table and as outlined by President Biden on May 31, 2024."

They added that "Israel is ready to move forward with the agreement" and called on Hamas to accept it and start releasing hostages.

"There is no time to lose," the statement said, claiming that this deal would lead to an "immediate ceasefire and rehabilitation of Gaza together with security assurances for Israelis, and Palestinians, and opportunities for a more enduring long-term peace and a two-state solution".

"At this decisive moment, we call on the leaders of Israel as well as Hamas to make whatever final compromises are necessary to close this deal."