American-Israeli Hostage Will Be Released Only If Truced Deal is Implemented, Says Hamas- wna24
Gaza: An American-Israeli hostage and bodies of four other hostages in captivity will be released only if Israel implements the existing ceasefire agreement in the Gaza strip, Hamas said on Saturday, calling the deal an “exceptional deal”.
A senior Hamas official said that the long-postponed talks regarding the second phase of the ceasefire must start on the day of the release and be completed within 50 days. Additionally, Israel would need to cease blocking humanitarian aid and withdraw from a key corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt.
21-year-old American-Israeli whose name is Edan Alexander grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey, was abducted from his military base during October 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war, and is the last living American citizen held in Gaza.
There was no immediate reaction from Israel, as government offices were closed for the weekly Sabbath. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of engaging in “manipulation and psychological warfare” when the offer was first made, before Hamas clarified its conditions.
The United States said it presented on Wednesday a proposal to extend the ceasefire a few more weeks as the sides negotiate a permanent truce. It said Hamas was claiming flexibility in public while privately making “entirely impractical” demands.
Negotiations continued in Egypt after senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya arrived in Cairo on Friday. Egypt and Qatar served as key mediators with Hamas in reaching the ceasefire and have continued to host talks aimed at getting it back on track.
After the ceasefire agreement reached in January, Israel and Hamas were set to begin negotiations for a second phase, where Hamas would release all remaining hostages in exchange for a lasting truce. These talks were initially expected to start in early February, but so far, only preparatory discussions have taken place.
Following the end of the first phase earlier this month, Israel agreed to a new US proposal, which suggested Hamas release half of the remaining hostages in exchange for a vague commitment to negotiate a lasting ceasefire. Hamas rejected the offer, accusing Israel of reneging on the signed agreement and attempting to derail the truce.
In an effort to pressure Hamas into accepting the new proposal, Israel has blocked the delivery of food, fuel, and other essential supplies to Gaza’s approximately 2 million residents, while also cutting off electricity to the territory.