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

Hamas Sets Terms for Release of Israeli-American Hostage Edan Alexander

Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has announced that it will release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander only if Israel agrees to implement the existing ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. Alexander, 21, is the last living American hostage held captive in Gaza. A senior Hamas official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Associated Press that the release of Alexander is contingent on Israel fulfilling specific conditions. These include beginning long-delayed talks on the second phase of the ceasefire, which must start on the day of Alexander’s release and conclude within 50 days. Additionally, Israel must stop blocking the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and withdraw from a strategic corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt. Hamas described this as an “exceptional deal” aimed at reviving the stalled truce.

Background on Edan Alexander’s Captivity and Hamas’ Demands

Edan Alexander, who has now been held captive for 526 days as of Saturday, is a dual citizen of Israel and the United States. He was born in Israel just a few months before his family moved to New Jersey, where he grew up. After graduating from high school, Alexander chose to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) rather than attend college. On October 7, 2023, while serving in the IDF’s Golani Brigade, Alexander was taken hostage during a brutal Hamas attack that left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 people, including Alexander, captured.

Hamas is also demanding the release of more Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the remaining hostages. The group has linked the release of Alexander to the implementation of the ceasefire’s second phase, which includes further negotiations on humanitarian aid, border adjustments, and prisoner exchanges. On Friday, Hamas agreed to release Alexander along with the bodies of four other hostages, following a deal proposed by mediators. However, the group has refused to release additional hostages without guarantees of progress on the ceasefire’s second phase.

Trump administration Warns Hamas of Severe Consequences

The situation has drawn intense international attention, particularly from the United States. The office of Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, and the National Security Council issued a joint statement warning Hamas that it must release all hostages immediately or face “severe consequences.” President Donald Trump has been vocal about his frustration over the hostage situation, and his administration has reportedly presented a “bridge” proposal to extend the ceasefire beyond the holy months of Ramadan and Passover. This proposal aims to create a framework for a permanent ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene his ministerial team to discuss the next steps in securing the release of the remaining 59 hostages. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has organized rallies across Israel, including in Tel Aviv, Sha’ar HaNegev Junction, Carmei Gat, and Jerusalem, to demand the immediate release of all hostages.

The Human Cost: Edan Alexander’s Story

Edan Alexander’s captivity has deeply affected his family and hometown. His mother, Yael Alexander, recently shared her son’s story in an interview with the American Jewish Committee’s “People of the Pod.” Yael recounted the day her son was taken hostage, describing how he assured her he was safe just hours before his capture. On November 30, 2024, more than a year after his capture, Hamas released a propaganda video of Alexander speaking in Hebrew and Arabic. In the video, Alexander delivered messages about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-President-elect Donald Trump, a tactic often used by Hamas to pressure Israel and the international community.

Ongoing Negotiations and the Path Forward

As the situation remains tense, negotiations over the ceasefire’s second phase are ongoing in Qatar. These talks are critical to resolving the hostage crisis and preventing further escalation in the region. The international community, including the United States and Israel, has emphasized the need for Hamas to release all hostages without further delay. At the same time, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with aid organizations pleading for unrestricted access to deliver essential supplies to civilians.

The release of Edan Alexander and the other hostages hinges on the ability of all parties to reach a negotiated settlement. While Hamas has signaled willingness to release Alexander under specific conditions, the broader conflict remains unresolved. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the ceasefire can be salvaged and whether the hostages will finally be reunited with their families. For now, the families of the hostages, including Yael Alexander, continue to wait anxiously for any sign of hope.