Hamas to release US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander amid ceasefire efforts
Varda Ben Baruch, grandmother of US-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander, points at a portrait of the captive PHOTOI:Reuters]
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Hamas has announced plans to release Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old American-Israeli hostage held in Gaza, as part of ongoing negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave.
His release is expected within the next 48 hours, as confirmed by US President Donald Trump and US envoy Steve Witkoff, who is scheduled to travel to Israel to oversee the handover .
The decision to release Alexander is part of broader negotiations involving the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, focusing on ending hostilities, reopening Gaza's border crossings, and allowing the entry of essential aid.
Hamas has emphasised that the release is contingent upon the implementation of a comprehensive ceasefire agreement, which includes the cessation of Israeli military attacks, the lifting of the blockade, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
This development marks a significant shift in US-Hamas relations, with direct talks taking place for the first time since 1997.
While Israeli officials have expressed concerns over the potential implications of these negotiations, Hamas maintains that the release is a goodwill gesture aimed at advancing peace and stability in the region.
The international community has largely welcomed the move, viewing it as a potential step towards de-escalation and the alleviation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
This development follows despite Israel's recent invasion on Gaza that involved striking a school-turned-shelter and killing at least 15 people, as its total blockade of the besieged Strip extends into its 71st day.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces have also launched attacks on Yemen's Hodeidah following warnings for civilians to evacuate three Houthi-controlled ports – Ras Isa, Hodeidah, and Salif.
According to Gaza's Health Ministry, the Israeli onslaught has killed at least 52,829 Palestinians and injured 119,554.
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