Hamas insists American-Israeli hostage will only be freed if ceasefire is implemented

In a recent development, the Hamas terrorist group has made a bold demand for the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander. The group stated that Alexander will only be released if Israel implements the existing ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.

Alexander, 21, is currently the last living American hostage in captivity in the Gaza Strip. A senior Hamas official revealed to the Associated Press that talks over the ceasefire’s second phase must commence on the day of Alexander’s release and should not exceed 50 days in duration. Additionally, Israel must cease barring the entry of humanitarian aid and withdraw from a strategic corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt.

Describing the demand as an “exceptional deal” aimed at re-establishing the truce, the Hamas official emphasized that more Palestinian prisoners must be released in exchange for the hostages. This demand comes after Hamas agreed to release Alexander along with the bodies of four other hostages following a deal proposed by mediators. Alexander has been held captive for 526 days as of Saturday, according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

As negotiations continue in Qatar to solidify the next phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, President Trump has issued a stern warning. The office of Steve Witkoff, special envoy to the Middle East, and the National Security Council stated that Hamas must release the hostages immediately or face severe consequences. Trump’s administration has presented a ‘bridge’ proposal to extend the ceasefire beyond Ramadan and Passover, allowing time to negotiate a framework for a permanent ceasefire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene his ministerial team to discuss the next steps for the release of the hostages. In the meantime, rallies are planned throughout Israel to demand the release of all remaining 59 hostages. Alexander, although born in Israel, spent most of his life in New Jersey before enlisting in the Israel Defense Forces’ Golani Brigade.

The day Alexander was taken hostage remains vivid in the memory of his mother, Yael Alexander. In a recent interview, she recounted the heart-wrenching moment when her son was captured while patrolling near Gaza. Hamas released a video of Alexander speaking in Hebrew and Arabic, delivering messages about Netanyahu and then-President-elect Donald Trump.

As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for Israel and Hamas to navigate the delicate negotiations for the release of the hostages. The global community is closely monitoring the developments in the Gaza Strip, hoping for a peaceful resolution to this ongoing crisis.