Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, will only release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander if Israel implements the existing ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. Alexander, 21, is the last living American hostage in Hamas custody.
Hamas is also demanding the release of more Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages.
Hamas on Friday agreed to release Alexander along with the bodies of four other hostages following a deal offered by mediators. He has now been held captive for 526 days as of Saturday.
It comes as talks are ongoing in Qatar to establish the next phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, the first phase of which ended on March 1.
The office of Steve Witkoff, special envoy to the Middle East, and the National Security Council said in a joint statement that "President Trump has made it clear that Hamas will either release hostages immediately, or pay a severe price."
Witkoff and Eric Trager, National Security Council senior director for the Middle East and North Africa, presented a ‘bridge’ proposal to extend the ceasefire beyond Ramadan and Passover and allow time to negotiate a framework for a permanent ceasefire.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene his ministerial team on Saturday to receive a detailed report from negotiators and decide on the next steps for the release of the hostages.
Meanwhile, a number of rallies are expected to take place throughout Israel on Saturday to demand that all remaining 59 hostages are released.
Though he spent most of his life in New Jersey, Alexander was born in Israel a few months before his parents moved to the U.S.
After graduating from high school, Alexander decided he would enlist in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) rather than enroll in college.
On Oct. 7, Alexander, who was serving in the IDF’s Golani Brigade, an infantry unit, was patrolling near Gaza when Hamas’ attacks on Israel began. The attacks ended with 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 hostages taken, including Alexander.
Yael Alexander, Edan’s mother, recounted the day he was taken hostage in a recent interview. Yael was in Israel in early October 2023, visiting her family and hoping to see Edan. On the morning of Oct. 7, she spoke with Edan, who said that he was seeing "terrible stuff," but he assured her that he was safe. Then he was taken hostage.
On Nov. 30, 2024, more than a year after Alexander was captured, Hamas released a video of Alexander speaking in Hebrew and Arabic. Alexander, like other hostages forced to make propaganda videos, delivered messages about Netanyahu and then-President-elect Donald Trump.
10 Comments
Marishka
This is a tragic situation for all involved, but we must not lose sight of the fact that Hamas is holding Edan hostage as a political prisoner. He is being used as a pawn in their conflict with Israel.
Pupsik
The United States and other countries should continue to support the Israeli government in its efforts to negotiate with Hamas. This is the only way to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Marishka
We must educate ourselves about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and engage in open and honest dialogue with people from all sides of the issue. This is the only way to build bridges of understanding and promote peace.
Pupsik
It's clear that Hamas has no intention of releasing Edan or the other hostages. Their only interest is in using them as bargaining chips to achieve their political goals.
Marishka
This situation is unacceptable. The Israeli government must take all necessary steps to secure the release of Edan and the other hostages, even if it means using military force.
Noir Black
This is a test of Israel's resolve. They must stand firm and not give in to Hamas' demands, no matter the cost.
KittyKat
It's understandable that Hamas is demanding the release of more prisoners in exchange for hostages. These prisoners are Palestinians who are being held unjustly by Israel, and their release would be a step towards peace.
BuggaBoom
We must remember that Edan Alexander is not the only hostage being held by Hamas. There are dozens of other Palestinians who are being held captive by Israel. It's time for Israel to release all of the hostages and end this cycle of violence.
Eugene Alta
The Israeli government is right to refuse to give in to Hamas' demands. They should not allow themselves to be blackmailed by terrorists.
Katchuka
Israel should not give in to Hamas' demands. They should continue to put pressure on Hamas to release Edan and the other hostages without any conditions.