The Islamist movement "Hamas" said it would release a captured American citizen who also has Israeli citizenship, as well as the bodies of four other hostages, provided that Israel implements the existing ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, the Associated Press reports. The group indicated that this is an "exceptional offer" that aims to restore the ceasefire, BTA reports.
A senior Hamas official said that long-delayed negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire should begin on the day the remaining hostages are released and last no more than 50 days. Israel will be required to stop blocking humanitarian aid into Gaza and withdraw from the strategic Gaza-Egypt border corridor. Hamas will also demand the release of more Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages.
One of the hostages, Edan Alexander (21), who grew up in New Jersey, was kidnapped during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which started the war in the Middle East. Alexander is believed to be the last living American citizen held in Gaza.
Meanwhile, at least eight people, including a local reporter operating a drone, were reported to have been killed in Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has accused Hamas of in "manipulation and psychological warfare" when the proposal was initially made, and before "Hamas" set out its terms.
The United States said it had submitted a proposal a few days ago to extend the ceasefire by a few more weeks while the parties negotiate a permanent truce. According to Washington, although "Hamas" has publicly stated its readiness to negotiate, in closed-door talks it has made "completely unfeasible" demands.
The Egyptian-brokered talks to end the fighting in Gaza continue. A senior Hamas leader arrived in Cairo yesterday. Egypt and Qatar were the main mediators in negotiating the first phase of the ceasefire and continue to play a key role in efforts to restore peace talks and normalize the ceasefire.