Hamas Agrees to Release Israeli-American Hostage and Remains of Four Others

Hamas announced on Friday that it has agreed to release Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander, along with the remains of four other dual-national hostages held in Gaza.

The group stated that it had received a proposal from mediators but did not disclose the specific terms of the agreement.

Qatar and Egypt have played a key role in mediating indirect talks between Israel and Hamas. In its statement, Hamas emphasized that it had approached the proposal “with responsibility and positivity” and confirmed its willingness to move forward with the release.

“The movement responded with responsibility and positivity, submitting its reply at dawn today, which included its approval to release Zionist soldier Edan Alexander, who holds American citizenship, in addition to the bodies of four others with dual nationality,” the statement read.

If the transfer proceeds, Alexander would be the first male soldier to be released from Hamas captivity. In past exchanges, Hamas has typically sought a higher price for the release of male soldiers compared to civilians or female hostages.

While Hamas has agreed to this specific release, it has not yet provided details on when the transfer will occur or what conditions it expects in return. Reports indicate that the United States has put forward a proposal linking the release of hostages to an extension of the ceasefire in Gaza.

According to sources familiar with the negotiations, US envoy Steve Witkoff recently presented a proposal in Qatar that would extend the ceasefire for one month in exchange for the release of some hostages. Additionally, the proposal calls for Israel to lift its blockade on humanitarian aid entering Gaza.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said on Friday that while Israel has accepted the Witkoff proposal, Hamas has not yet fully agreed to it.

“At the same time, it continues to engage in manipulation and psychological warfare,” Netanyahu’s office stated.

Alexander, a 21-year-old soldier, was taken captive on October 7, 2023, during Hamas’ attacks on Israel. He is believed to be the last known American hostage still alive in Gaza. The remains of four other hostages—Judi Weinstein Haggai, Gad Haggai, Itay Chan, and Omer Maxim Neutra—are also set to be returned under the agreement.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an advocacy group for the families of those captured, has expressed concern over prioritizing hostage releases based on nationality. The group has called for a comprehensive agreement to ensure the return of all captives, regardless of citizenship.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. The United Nations has warned of worsening food shortages, particularly in northern Gaza, where aid deliveries have been severely limited. The ongoing negotiations could determine the future of ceasefire efforts and humanitarian access in the region.

CNN, Al Jazeera, Axios, and FOX News contributed to this report.