The United States along with 17 other countries released a joint statement calling on Hamas to release all the hostages so as to end the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

"We call for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza now for over 200 days," a statement by the countries said, in what a senior US official called an extraordinary display of unanimity.

"The fate of the hostages and the civilian population in Gaza who are protected under international law is of international concern," the statement added.

However, Hamas said that the group would not concede to international pressure.

All the 18 countries who issued an appeal to Hamas&nbsp;have their citizens held as captives by the Palestinian militant group for more than six months.

WATCH: 200 days of Israel-Hamas war: Fate of Israeli hostages remains uncertain

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/200-days-of-israel-hamas-war-fate-of-israeli-hostages-remains-uncertain-714617/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Hamas is believed to still be holding 129 hostages out of the 253 that it took captive on Oct 7. Nearly&nbsp;1,200 people died on the day Hamas crossed the border and massacred mostly civilians.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-accuses-defence-minister-yoav-gallant-of-pushing-false-leaks-amid-hostage-crisis-713771">Also read:&nbsp;Netanyahu accuses Defence Minister Yoav Gallant of pushing 'false leaks' amid hostage crisis</a>

The signatories were the leaders of the United States, Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Thailand and Britain.

"We emphasise that the deal on the table to release the hostages would bring an immediate and prolonged ceasefire in Gaza, that would facilitate a surge of additional necessary humanitarian assistance to be delivered throughout Gaza, and lead to the credible end of hostilities," the statement said.

"Gazans would be able to return to their homes and their lands with preparations beforehand to ensure shelter and humanitarian provisions," it said.

As per the news agency Reuters, senior Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri said that the statement would not influence the Palestinian militant group and that the US should push its ally Israel to end its offensive.

"The ball now is in the American court," said Abu Zuhri.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States along with 17 other countries released a joint statement calling on Hamas to release all the hostages so as to end the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

The United States along with 17 other countries released a joint statement calling on Hamas to release all the hostages so as to end the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. "We call for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza now for over 200 days," a statement by the countries said, in what a senior US official called an extraordinary display of unanimity. "The fate of the hostages and the civilian population in Gaza who are protected under international law is of international concern," the statement added. However, Hamas said that the group would not concede to international pressure. All the 18 countries who issued an appeal to Hamas have their citizens held as captives by the Palestinian militant group for more than six months. WATCH: 200 days of Israel-Hamas war: Fate of Israeli hostages remains uncertain × Hamas is believed to still be holding 129 hostages out of the 253 that it took captive on Oct 7. Nearly 1,200 people died on the day Hamas crossed the border and massacred mostly civilians. Also read: Netanyahu accuses Defence Minister Yoav Gallant of pushing 'false leaks' amid hostage crisis The signatories were the leaders of the United States, Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Thailand and Britain. "We emphasise that the deal on the table to release the hostages would bring an immediate and prolonged ceasefire in Gaza, that would facilitate a surge of additional necessary humanitarian assistance to be delivered throughout Gaza, and lead to the credible end of hostilities," the statement said. "Gazans would be able to return to their homes and their lands with preparations beforehand to ensure shelter and humanitarian provisions," it said. As per the news agency Reuters, senior Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri said that the statement would not influence the Palestinian militant group and that the US should push its ally Israel to end its offensive. "The ball now is in the American court," said Abu Zuhri. (With inputs from agencies)

US, along with 17 other countries, issues joint statement calling on Hamas to release hostages

Israel says it is ready for a Rafah offensive which it claims is the last stronghold of the Hamas militant group. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: IDF preparing to evacuate Palestinians from Rafah

Cabinet ministers Benny Gantz and Ben Gvir accused each other of damaging Israeli security, following reports Washington may sanction the IDF’s Netzah Yehuda battalion. Watch in for more details!

Israel: Ministers Gantz, Ben Gvir clash over harming national security

Israel: Ministers Gantz, Ben Gvir accuse each other of harming national security

The US-Israel relationship took a new and unexpected turn. Reportedly, the U.S. is planning to impose sanctions on the Netzah Yehuda battalion of the Israel Defense Forces. The battalion faces allegations of human rights violations against Palestinians in the West Bank. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war | Israeli leaders criticise US sanctions against military unit

If reports of US mulling sanctions on IDF units were not enough trouble for Israel to deal with. Local media agencies have revealed that fresh tensions have erupted during a recent War cabinet session. This after the PM Netanyahu accused the security minister Yoav Gallant of security leaks.

Israel war: PM Netanyahu accuses Defence Minister Yoav Gallant of 'security leaks'

The US-Israel relationship took a new and unexpected turn. Reportedly, the U.S. is planning to impose sanctions on the Netzah Yehuda battalion of the Israel Defense Forces. The battalion faces allegations of human rights violations against Palestinians in the West Bank.

US planning to sanction an Israeli military unit over alleged 'abuses'

Israel launched targeted strikes at Syria's army position in the South, said the Syrian government and monitor on Friday (Apr 19) following reports of Israeli attacks in Iran's Isfahan.

Syria's defence ministry released a statement saying, "The Israeli enemy carried out an attack using missiles... targeting our air defence sites in the southern region" and causing material damage.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said that Israel hit the army radar position in the southern province of Daraa that had detected the entry of Israeli planes into Syria's airspace.

Head of the Britain-based Observatory, Rami Abdel Rahman said that the air offensive occurred at the time "when the Israeli air force was flying intensively over the Daraa region".

Syria's foreign ministry condemned "in the strongest terms" Friday's "Israeli aggression and the attacks before it on its territory".

Syria called on "the international community and the United Nations... to take all deterrence measures to stop" the Israeli attacks, the ministry said in a statement carried by state news agency SANA.

The latest strikes in Syria come amid reports of Israeli attacks in the Iranian city of Isfahan.

Iran, however, said that it had shot down several drones and that there had been "no missile attack for now".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-iran-not-planning-retaliation-against-israel-after-attack-near-isfahan-713015">West Asia crisis: Iran ‘not planning’ retaliation against Israel after attack near Isfahan</a>

Several drones "have been successfully shot down by the country's air defence, there are no reports of a missile attack for now", Iran's space agency spokesman Hossein Dalirian said on X.

"Flights over Isfahan, Shiraz and Tehran cities have been suspended," state media reported. &nbsp;

<h2>US says ‘not involved in any offensive operation’</h2>

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (Apr 19) said that America was "not involved in any offensive operation" and declined to comment on reports of Israel launching a retaliatory offensive against Iran.

"I'm not going to speak to these reported events... All I can say is for our part and for all the members of the G7 our focus is on de-escalation," Blinken told a press conference on the Italian island of Capri.

"What we're focused on, what the G7 is focused on, and again, it's reflected in our statement, and in our conversation, is our work to de-escalate tensions, to de-escalate from any potential conflicts," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel launched targeted strikes at Syria's army position in the South, said the Syrian government and monitor on Friday (Apr 19) following reports of Israeli attacks in Iran's Isfahan.

Israel launched targeted strikes at Syria's army position in the South, said the Syrian government and monitor on Friday (Apr 19) following reports of Israeli attacks in Iran's Isfahan. Syria's defence ministry released a statement saying, "The Israeli enemy carried out an attack using missiles... targeting our air defence sites in the southern region" and causing material damage. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said that Israel hit the army radar position in the southern province of Daraa that had detected the entry of Israeli planes into Syria's airspace. Head of the Britain-based Observatory, Rami Abdel Rahman said that the air offensive occurred at the time "when the Israeli air force was flying intensively over the Daraa region". Syria's foreign ministry condemned "in the strongest terms" Friday's "Israeli aggression and the attacks before it on its territory". Syria called on "the international community and the United Nations... to take all deterrence measures to stop" the Israeli attacks, the ministry said in a statement carried by state news agency SANA. The latest strikes in Syria come amid reports of Israeli attacks in the Iranian city of Isfahan. Iran, however, said that it had shot down several drones and that there had been "no missile attack for now". Also read: West Asia crisis: Iran ‘not planning’ retaliation against Israel after attack near Isfahan Several drones "have been successfully shot down by the country's air defence, there are no reports of a missile attack for now", Iran's space agency spokesman Hossein Dalirian said on X. "Flights over Isfahan, Shiraz and Tehran cities have been suspended," state media reported. US says ‘not involved in any offensive operation’ United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (Apr 19) said that America was "not involved in any offensive operation" and declined to comment on reports of Israel launching a retaliatory offensive against Iran. "I'm not going to speak to these reported events... All I can say is for our part and for all the members of the G7 our focus is on de-escalation," Blinken told a press conference on the Italian island of Capri. "What we're focused on, what the G7 is focused on, and again, it's reflected in our statement, and in our conversation, is our work to de-escalate tensions, to de-escalate from any potential conflicts," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Syria accuses Israel of launching attacks targeting army position

After Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir invited severe criticism on Friday (Apr 19) over terming the country's reported air strike against Iran as "lame", he was reached out to by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's confidant who told him that he was harming Israel’s national security.

However, according to Channel 12 reports, there probably will not be any further repercussions for Gvir as the Israeli prime minister is reliant on him to remain in power.

Gvir courted controversy after he suggested that Israel was responsible for the reported blasts that rocked Iran on Friday.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, an explosion was reportedly heard near the Iranian city of Isfahan, the cause of which is not yet known.

A section of US media quoting American officials said that Israel had launched its retaliatory attacks against its arch-rival Iran.

Gvir, who is a member of Netanyahu's ruling coalition, took to his official social media handle X and wrote, "Scarecrow!" which translates to feeble in Hebrew slang, hinting at a suggestion that Israel was behind the explosions but the action it took was weak.

His remarks swiftly grabbed attention with opposition leader Yair Lapid commenting, "Never before a minister has done such heavy damage to the country's security, its image, and its international status."

"In an unforgivable tweet of one word, Ben Gvir managed to sneer and shame Israel from Tehran to Washington," he added.

Shaiel Ben-Ephraim, an academic and host of a podcast on geopolitics, said that Ben Gvir "confirms the Israeli operation and ridicules it".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-iran-not-planning-retaliation-against-israel-after-attack-near-isfahan-713015">West Asia crisis: Iran ‘not planning’ retaliation against Israel after attack near Isfahan</a>

"By doing so he undermines Israel's power of deterrence. An absolute disgrace for a minister," he wrote on X.

<h2>US says ‘not involved in any offensive operation’&nbsp;</h2>

Following the reported explosion in Isfahan, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (Apr 19) said that America was "not involved in any offensive operation" and declined to comment on the matter.

"I'm not going to speak to these reported events... All I can say is for our part and for all the members of the G7 our focus is on de-escalation," Blinken told a press conference on the Italian island of Capri.

"What we're focused on, what the G7 is focused on, and again, it's reflected in our statement, and in our conversation, is our work to de-escalate tensions, to de-escalate from any potential conflicts," he further said.

However, Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani during a press briefing said that the United States was notified about the Israeli strikes way in advance.&nbsp;

"The United States was informed at the last moment," he said, adding that "it was just information" passed on -- without saying who by.&nbsp;

The Group of Seven ministers, in its final statement, said, "In light of reports of strikes on April 19th, we urge all parties to work to prevent further escalation. The G7 will continue to work to this end."

(With inputs from agencies)

After Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir invited severe criticism on Friday (Apr 19) over terming the country's reported air strike against Iran as "lame", he was reached out to by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's confidant who told him that he was harming Israel’s national security.

After Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir invited severe criticism on Friday (Apr 19) over terming the country's reported air strike against Iran as "lame", he was reached out to by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's confidant who told him that he was harming Israel’s national security. However, according to Channel 12 reports, there probably will not be any further repercussions for Gvir as the Israeli prime minister is reliant on him to remain in power. Gvir courted controversy after he suggested that Israel was responsible for the reported blasts that rocked Iran on Friday. Earlier in the day, an explosion was reportedly heard near the Iranian city of Isfahan, the cause of which is not yet known. A section of US media quoting American officials said that Israel had launched its retaliatory attacks against its arch-rival Iran. Gvir, who is a member of Netanyahu's ruling coalition, took to his official social media handle X and wrote, "Scarecrow!" which translates to feeble in Hebrew slang, hinting at a suggestion that Israel was behind the explosions but the action it took was weak. His remarks swiftly grabbed attention with opposition leader Yair Lapid commenting, "Never before a minister has done such heavy damage to the country's security, its image, and its international status." "In an unforgivable tweet of one word, Ben Gvir managed to sneer and shame Israel from Tehran to Washington," he added. Shaiel Ben-Ephraim, an academic and host of a podcast on geopolitics, said that Ben Gvir "confirms the Israeli operation and ridicules it". Also read: West Asia crisis: Iran ‘not planning’ retaliation against Israel after attack near Isfahan "By doing so he undermines Israel's power of deterrence. An absolute disgrace for a minister," he wrote on X. US says ‘not involved in any offensive operation’ Following the reported explosion in Isfahan, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (Apr 19) said that America was "not involved in any offensive operation" and declined to comment on the matter. "I'm not going to speak to these reported events... All I can say is for our part and for all the members of the G7 our focus is on de-escalation," Blinken told a press conference on the Italian island of Capri. "What we're focused on, what the G7 is focused on, and again, it's reflected in our statement, and in our conversation, is our work to de-escalate tensions, to de-escalate from any potential conflicts," he further said. However, Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani during a press briefing said that the United States was notified about the Israeli strikes way in advance. "The United States was informed at the last moment," he said, adding that "it was just information" passed on -- without saying who by. The Group of Seven ministers, in its final statement, said, "In light of reports of strikes on April 19th, we urge all parties to work to prevent further escalation. The G7 will continue to work to this end." (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu aide lambasts minister for suggesting Israel's role behind Iran blasts

Thousands of demonstrators came to the streets demanding Israeli PM Netanyahu's resignation in Tel Aviv. Watch to know more.

Israel War: People take to the streets of Tel Aviv calling for elections

Biden's handling of the israel-hamas war has met with criticism. Biden's strategy in the middle east crisis has definitely raised doubts on the white house role in handling peace in the region. However, this is not the first time his foreign policy has gone wrong. From Ukraine war to Afghanistan, what other policies and decisions have backfired against Biden?

Iran-Israel Clash: Biden's foreign policy failures

Iran has said Israeli involvement in Friday's attack is still to be established and dismissed the drones used as like children's toys. Israel hasn't commented but is widely believed to be behind the strike targeting an airbase and nuclear site near Isfahan. Watch in for more details!

Iran-Israel Tensions: Iran foreign minister playS down apparent Israeli strike

Iran-Israel Tensions: Iran plays down reported Israeli attacks, signals no further retaliation

Iran-Israel Tensions: Iranian foreign minister downplays Israeli attack

The tensions between West Asia's two regional powerhouses Israel and Iran are at an all time high. This month's dramatic escalation kicked off with an Israeli strike on Iran's Consulate in Damascus followed by a largely foiled Iranian attack of over 300 Airborne weapons on Israel. Let's take a look at the costs of defence of both the countries.

Iran-Israel Tensions | Iran, Israel: Asymmetry in attack and defence costs

Israel has retaliated against Iran with reports of explosions heard and airspace closed around the city of Isfahan. Watch in for more details!

Israel strikes Iran as explosions heard and airspace closed

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that Israel warned the US about a drone attack on Iran Friday apparently targeting an air base and a nuclear site in central Iran. Watch in for more details!

Israel warned US about drone strike on Iran, says Italy

Italy says Israel warned US about drone attack on Iran

Israel has targeted the city of Isfahan in retaliation for the barrage of missiles and drones Iran deployed over the weekend. But why Isfahan? Watch in to know!

Isfahan: The city home to Iranian nuclear facilities

A day after Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel will 'make its own decisions' when responding to Iran's weekend airstrikes, an explosion was reportedly heard near the Iranian city of Isfahan, state media reported. Watch in for more details!

Reports: Explosions heard over Iran's Isfahan air base and nuclear site

Explosions were heard in Iran. Reportedly, three explosions were heard near an army base in the central city of Isfahan. Flights have been suspended over several cities. Reportedly, drones were also observed in the sky over Isfahan.

Explosions heard in Iran’s Isfahan after alleged Israeli attack

Iran could review its “nuclear doctrine” following Israeli threats to strike the country, a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander said on Thursday. Watch in for more details!

Iran attacks Israel: Iran warns Israel against attacking nuclear sites

Iran attacks Israel: Iran warns Israel against striking its atomic sites

More than a dozen House Democrats voted against a resolution condemning Iran's airstrikes on Israel Thursday. Watch in for more details!

BREAKING: 13 House Democrats voted against a resolution to condemn Iran's attack on Israel

Iran attacks Israel: Iran could review its 'nuclear doctrine' amid Israeli threats, says commander

Iran attacks Israel: Iran warns it may review its 'nuclear doctrine'

Israeli PM Netanyahu thanked British, German foreign ministers for their countries' support in Israel's defence against the Iranian missile attack.

Iran marks National Army Day with parade | PM Netanyahu says 'Israel will defend itself'

A senior Revolutionary Guards general threatened on Thursday to target Israel's "nuclear facilities" if it strikes Iranian atomic sites. Watch in the report for more details!

BREAKING: Iran warns Israel against attacking nuclear sites

Israel will make its own decisions about how to defend itself, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday as international communities called for restraint in responding to the attacks from Iran.

Iran attacks Israel: Netanyahu says Israel will defend itself amid calls for restraint

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Ben GVIR: Disband war cabinet - IDF deploys extra weapons for Rafah assault? - US House to vote on Ukraine, Israel aid - Chaos at Dubai airport after deadly storms

US agrees to Israel's Rafah plan | Chernigiv: At least 18 killed in Russian strike

Israel's allies want it to exercise restraint and not escalate regional tensions. But will Netanyahu listen or will he cross the red line? Will Bibi lead Israel to a war against Iran? As and when that happens, will Israel's allies dump it- leaving Israel to fight Iran alone?

Israel vs Iran: Will Netanyahu cross the red line?

netanyahu

Netanyahu, News on Netanyahu, stories on Netanyahu, articles on Netanyahu, Netanyahu stories at Wion, Netanyahu news, Netanyahu latest news