Hamas announced on Friday that it would release hostage soldier Edan Alexander, a dual US-Israeli citizen, along with the bodies of four slain hostages who also held dual US nationality. Israel swiftly criticized the move, accusing the terror group of psychological warfare and rejecting a broader US-backed proposal aimed at securing the release of more captives.
Hamas Move Sparks Israeli Outrage
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) condemned Hamas for rejecting a US proposal crafted by envoy Steve Witkoff. Under this deal, Hamas would have released ten living hostages immediately, extended the ceasefire through Passover, and potentially freed all captives if negotiations to end the war progressed. Israel agreed to the terms, but Hamas refused, according to the PMO.
“Hamas remains firm in its refusal and has not budged one millimeter,” the PMO stated, accusing the terror group of manipulation and stalling tactics.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called an emergency meeting with senior ministers on Saturday night to assess the situation and determine the next course of action. Israeli negotiators, who had been in mediated talks with Hamas in Doha, were recalled on Friday.
Edan Alexander: The Only Living US-Israeli Hostage
Alexander, a Golani soldier, was captured on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led terrorists launched a deadly assault on southern Israel. Born in Tel Aviv and raised in New Jersey, he joined the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as a lone soldier after high school. He is believed to be the last living American hostage in Gaza.
A video released by Hamas in November showed a visibly gaunt Alexander pleading for his release, first in Hebrew to the Israeli government and then in English to the incoming Trump administration.
Hamas’s Strategy: Driving a Wedge Between Israel and the US?
Hamas did not name the four slain US-Israeli hostages or specify when their remains would be handed over. Israeli authorities believe the bodies belong to Judith Weinstein, her husband Gadi Haggai, Omer Neutra, and Itay Chen.
The terror group framed its decision as a step toward broader negotiations but demanded that Israel fulfill its obligations under an existing deal. Analysts see this move as an attempt to drive a wedge between Israel and the US by putting pressure on Washington to prioritize the release of American hostages.
Israeli media noted that at the start of the war, Israel resolved not to prioritize hostages based on dual nationality. Channel 12 reported that Hamas’s latest move might force Israel into a difficult position—accepting a limited release or holding out for a broader deal.
Families of Hostages Demand Immediate Action
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum criticized Netanyahu’s decision to wait until after Shabbat to convene his ministers. “Twenty-four hours in captivity is 24 hours of hell, torture, and abuse,” the forum stated, emphasizing that time was critical in securing the release of hostages.
In an earlier statement, the group expressed cautious optimism about any step toward bringing hostages home but warned against selective deals that could leave others behind.
“If the Hamas announcement is true and moves forward, this should be the opening to an agreement that brings everyone home immediately,” the forum urged.
Ceasefire Talks and Israel’s Demands
Negotiations in Doha continued this week, with Witkoff proposing an extended ceasefire lasting through Ramadan and Passover in exchange for Hamas releasing five living hostages and ten deceased captives. Israel responded positively, but Hamas has yet to agree.
Reports suggest Israel has demanded the release of at least eight living hostages in any deal. Meanwhile, Hamas is seeking US guarantees for discussions on the next phase of negotiations.
Since the war began, Hamas has released 30 hostages in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian detainees. Additionally, Israel has recovered the bodies of 41 hostages, including three mistakenly killed by the IDF as they tried to escape their captors.
What’s Next?
With Israel recalling negotiators and Netanyahu convening his top advisors, the next phase of negotiations remains uncertain. Hamas’s latest move has added another layer of complexity to an already fragile process. Whether Israel will accept this partial deal or push for a more comprehensive agreement remains to be seen.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the families of hostages fear time is running out.
