Hamas announced it will release American hostage Edan Alexander and the bodies of four other dual nationals after receiving a proposal from mediators to resume negotiations. The group responded “responsibly and positively” to the latest ceasefire extension proposal.
The White House presented a bridge proposal to Hamas on Wednesday, extending the ceasefire beyond Ramadan and Passover to allow time to negotiate a permanent ceasefire. Under the proposal, hostages would be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, Israel would allow humanitarian assistance to flow into Gaza, and the US would work toward a durable solution.
Hamas has refused this proposal, saying it already agreed to a ceasefire agreement. The group accused Israel of “manipulation and psychological warfare” after it blocked entry of aid goods and supplies from entering Gaza.
The parents of two deceased US hostages expressed concern over the lack of progress, despite repeated claims by Hamas that they would be released soon. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated the priority for releasing all hostages, including those deemed “prisoners”.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/hamas-release-american-hostage-edan-alexander/story?id=119793184