A girl holds a poster bearing a portrait of an Israeli hostage held by Hamas in Gaza since October 2023 subsequent to a number of portaits, together with two (C) of Israeli-US captive Edan Alexander, at Hostages Sq. in Tel Aviv as folks anticipate his launch on Could 12, 2025.
Menahem Kahana/AFP by way of Getty Photographs
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Menahem Kahana/AFP by way of Getty Photographs
TEL AVIV, Israel — Hamas is anticipated to launch Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander on Monday, as a part of what the militant group mentioned was a step towards reaching a ceasefire settlement with Israel.
Alexander, a 21 year-old Israeli soldier raised in New Jersey, is the final remaining U.S. citizen captured by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023 and held in Gaza, who’s believed to nonetheless be alive. The our bodies of 4 different People are nonetheless held in Gaza, in accordance with the U.S.
President Trump posted on his social media platform that the discharge is a “step taken in good religion” to place an finish to the battle.
In an announcement, Hamas mentioned it had been holding talks with the U.S. for the final a number of days. The militant group mentioned the discharge would come as a part of a ceasefire effort to open Gaza’s border crossings and convey assist to Gaza. Israel has blocked all assist together with meals and medical provides for greater than 10 weeks to stress Hamas to launch extra hostages. Humanitarian teams say it’s driving rampant hunger within the territory.
A Hamas official says the U.S. has made guarantees in return for hostage launch
A Hamas official, talking on situation of anonymity as a result of he was not approved to talk publicly, informed NPR that the discharge was in return for unspecified gestures the U.S. promised.
The official hinted it anticipated Israel to launch some Palestinian prisoners and guarantee some assist into Gaza, and anticipated the U.S. to barter a broader take care of Israel that ensures the tip of the battle.
“The ball is now within the American and Israeli courtroom. We gave the People what they requested for. They should get the opposite facet to provide issues too,” the Hamas official mentioned.
Israel denies it should provide concessions in alternate for hostage launch
An announcement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s workplace on Monday mentioned that Alexander’s return “with out something in return” is because of President Trump’s diplomacy and the Israeli navy’s stress in Gaza.
The assertion mentioned Israel has not agreed to a ceasefire in alternate for Alexander’s launch.
