Hamas poised to free American hostage amid ceasefire talks
Hamas has announced its readiness to release the last American citizen held in the Gaza Strip, 21-year-old Edan Alexander, who holds dual citizenship in the USA and Israel.
This information emerged in the context of ongoing ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel and efforts to restore humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
According to Qatari media, arrangements are underway regarding the details of Alexander's transfer. More than 20 people kidnapped during Hamas's attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 remain in captivity.
"The movement affirms its readiness to immediately start intensive negotiations, and make serious efforts to reach a final agreement to stop the war, exchange prisoners in an agreed manner, and manage the Gaza Strip by an independent professional body," stated Khalil al-Hayya, one of Hamas's leaders, in a published statement.
Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey have been involved in the negotiations for Alexander's release. The Times of Israel reported that pressure is being put on Hamas to release the hostage without setting conditions, as a gesture of goodwill towards U.S. President Donald Trump, who is soon to begin a visit to the region.
The USA is talking with Hamas about a ceasefire
Unofficial information indicates that talks between the USA and Hamas regarding a ceasefire and the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza are ongoing. However, the U.S. State Department has not confirmed these reports.
Israeli media report that these talks are causing tensions between Washington and Jerusalem. The newspaper Haaretz wrote that the Americans are putting pressure on the Israeli government to agree to a ceasefire before Trump's visit, warning that otherwise, "It [Israel] will be left on its own."
Israelis want hostages released
The Israeli government resumed military operations on 18 March after nearly two months of ceasefire, aiming to force further concessions from Hamas. Tel Aviv seeks to both free the hostages and completely obliterate Hamas.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian organisation declares its openness to an agreement, but only one that guarantees the end of military actions – something that Israel opposes.
Polls show that many Israelis support a ceasefire that would allow for the release of hostages, even at the cost of ending the war. Families of the abducted accuse the government of being motivated by political reasons.
The Israeli army states that 24 hostages are still in captivity, and Hamas is holding the bodies of 35 people.
