World Jewish Congress lauds mediator efforts to release Gaza captives
Al Jazeera
The head of the international organisation said an agreement would be essential to regional stability and security.
The head of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) has expressed his support for the mediators working to achieve a deal to release the remaining captives in Gaza.
Palestinian fighters took about 250 people captive during the October 7 attack in southern Israel, in which more than 1,100 people were killed. Of those taken, 105 were released in a deal with Hamas but about 100 captives remain in Gaza. More than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its war on Gaza.
Ronald Lauder, the president of the US-based WJC, said in a statement that he is grateful to “all parties involved in the effort to release all the remaining hostages” and acknowledged the roles played by Qatar and Egypt, alongside the United States, to secure the release of the captives.
“As already acknowledged by many in the international community, particularly the Qatari leadership, who has dedicated much time and effort in securing the release of all hostages and bringing humanitarian relief into Gaza, this is essential to regional stability and security,” he said.
The statement comes ahead of a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting on Tuesday.
