AhlulBayt News Agency: The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has released Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander, reiterating its readiness to restart Gaza ceasefire talks that have stalled due to Israel’s actions.
On Monday, Hamas announced that Alexander’s release was the result of recent contacts with the US administration, following mediation efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire, reopening crossings, and delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
In a statement, Hamas emphasized that this move came after “important communications” in which the movement showed “positivity and high flexibility.”
Hamas stressed that serious negotiations could lead to the release of more Israeli captives. It warned that Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza would prolong their suffering and could endanger their lives.
The group reiterated its willingness to immediately begin talks to reach a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire agreement, including the withdrawal of Israeli troops, the lifting of the siege, the exchange of prisoners, and the reconstruction of Gaza.
Hamas also called on US President Donald Trump’s administration to continue its diplomatic efforts to end what it described as “a brutal war waged by war criminal [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu against children, women, and unarmed civilians in Gaza.”
According to media reports, Red Cross vehicles picked up Edan Alexander north of Khan Younis following his release.
Trump had expressed hope for further hostage releases, stating, “We hope that we’re going to have other hostages released, too.” Ahead of Alexander’s expected release, he added, “We’ll get Edan today.”
Israel initiated its military campaign in Gaza on October 7, 2023, resulting in nearly 53,000 Palestinian casualties.
In January, Israel agreed to a ceasefire deal with Hamas after failing to achieve its key objectives, including eliminating the Palestinian resistance movement or securing the release of captives.
The 42-day initial phase of the ceasefire, marred by repeated Israeli violations, expired on March 1. However, Israel has since refused to engage in negotiations for the second stage of the agreement.
Since March 18, Israel has resumed its military strikes on Gaza, breaking the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement that had lasted nearly two months.
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