Hamas has announced that it 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 captivity in the Gaza Strip and has been held captive for 526 days.
A senior Hamas official told The Associated Press that long-delayed talks over the ceasefire’s second phase would need to begin immediately after the release and last no longer than 50 days. Israel must also stop barring humanitarian aid entry and withdraw from a strategic corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt.
Hamas is demanding an “exceptional deal” aimed at getting the truce back on track. The group is also seeking the release of more Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Alexander’s freedom.
Talks are ongoing in Qatar to establish the next phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, with a proposal from US officials offering time to negotiate a framework for a permanent ceasefire.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene his ministerial team on Saturday to discuss the next steps for Alexander’s release. Rallies are also planned across Israel to demand that all remaining 59 hostages be released.
Alexander was born in Israel and enlisted in the IDF before being taken hostage by Hamas during an attack near Gaza. His mother, Yael, described his capture in a recent interview, saying he assured her he was safe but then was taken hostage.
The group’s demands are seen as a response to a warning from President Trump that Hamas will face severe consequences if it does not release the hostages immediately.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/hamas-says-american-israeli-hostage-only-freed-ceasefire-implemented