Hamas to Release US-Israeli Captive Amid Ceasefire Negotiations

Hamas announced on Sunday that it will release Edan Alexander, a dual US-Israeli national, as part of efforts to secure a ceasefire and open aid corridors to the besieged Gaza Strip, Al Jazeera reports.

Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli soldier, was captured during Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The release of Alexander is being seen as a step forward in negotiations for a broader ceasefire agreement and humanitarian aid delivery to Palestinians in Gaza, who have been enduring a severe blockade.

In a statement, Hamas said, “Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, a dual US national, will be released as part of the steps taken towards a ceasefire, reopening the crossings, and delivering aid and relief to our people in the Gaza Strip.” The exact timing of Alexander’s release has not been disclosed, but it is expected within the next 48 hours. The release follows US efforts, led by envoy Steve Witkoff, who is expected to arrive in Israel on Monday as part of the ongoing talks.

The move marks a significant development in US-Hamas relations, with direct talks ongoing between Hamas and the United States. The US has previously expressed concern over Alexander’s captivity, and the announcement comes just ahead of US President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East, although it does not include a stop in Israel.

Hamas has also signaled its willingness to engage in “intensive negotiations” with the aim of bringing an end to the ongoing war in Gaza. The group has proposed establishing a technocratic and independent administration in Gaza to ensure long-term peace and stability. “This will ensure calm and stability for many years, along with reconstruction and the end of the blockade,” Hamas stated.

International Reactions, Diplomatic Efforts

Qatar and Egypt, the primary mediators in the conflict, welcomed Hamas’s announcement, calling it a “gesture of goodwill” that could pave the way for renewed ceasefire talks.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said that the release of Alexander would likely lead to further negotiations regarding the release of additional captives. However, Israel has reiterated its commitment to achieving all war objectives, and its policy remains focused on military actions to secure its goals in Gaza.

Al Jazeera’s Hamdah Salhut, reporting from Amman, noted that there has been mixed reaction within Israel to these direct talks between Hamas and the US. Israeli officials have been criticized for not being involved in the discussions, with some accusing Netanyahu of prioritizing territorial gains over the lives of Israelis still held captive in Gaza.

Ongoing Talks in Doha

Talks between Hamas and US officials are continuing in Doha, Qatar, where progress has been reported on issues such as the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and the potential for exchanges of captives and Palestinian prisoners. According to two Hamas officials, discussions have also progressed on the possibility of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

The last ceasefire, which lasted two months, collapsed in mid-March when Israel launched a major military offensive in Gaza, resuming its bombardment of the territory and cutting off all aid since March 2. Israel has said that the blockade and the cessation of aid are meant to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining captives.

As of now, 59 captives remain in Gaza, with approximately a third believed to still be alive. The ongoing blockade has led to widespread starvation across Gaza, with the Health Ministry reporting that at least 2,720 people have been killed since Israel resumed its offensive. The overall Palestinian death toll since the conflict began has reached 52,829.