Hamas agrees to release Israeli-American captive, 4 bodies
Hamas announced it has agreed to release Idan Alexander and the bodies of four dual nationals.
The Gaza-based group said it received a proposal from mediators to resume negotiations, and it dealt with it “responsibly and positively”.
“The movement affirms its complete readiness to begin negotiations and reach a comprehensive agreement on the issues of the [ceasefire’s] second phase, calling for the occupation to fully implement its obligations,” a statement said.
The Palestinian group says it affirms “its complete readiness” to begin truce negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire with Israel.
“Yesterday, the Hamas leadership delegation received a proposal from the mediating brothers to resume negotiations,” Hamas said in a statement.
“The movement responded responsibly and positively and submitted its response this morning, including its agreement to release the Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, who holds American citizenship, in addition to the bodies of four other dual nationals.”
Earlier, Hamas official Husam Badran said the group “is determined to implement the ceasefire agreement in its various stages, and the occupation’s departure from what was agreed will take us back to zero”.
Hamas says freeing of Israeli-American conditional on phase 2 talks
Hamas earlier announced it’s ready to hand over an Israeli-American captive and the bodies of four dual nationals.
US envoy Steve Witkoff told reporters this month that gaining the release of Edan Alexander, 21, is a “top priority”. US hostage negotiator Adam Boehler met Hamas leaders in recent days to seek Alexander’s release.
Hamas said the move is conditional on beginning the talks on the second phase of the ceasefire, opening crossings, and lifting the total blockade imposed by Israel two weeks ago.
“We are working with mediators for the agreement to succeed and to compel the occupation to conclude all phases of the agreement,” said Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua, a Hamas spokesperson.
“Hamas’s approval to release Edan Alexander aims to push towards the conclusion of the phases of the agreement.”
Hamas says Israel’s attempts to sabotage Gaza deal will not succeed
Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua has told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that mediators are making “strenuous efforts” in the talks despite Israel’s attempts to sabotage it, apparently referring to Qatar and Egypt.
“We are working with the mediators to ensure the success of the negotiations, compel the occupation, and complete the agreement’s stages,” he said.
“We hope that the results of the negotiations will ensure the implementation of all stages of the agreement.”
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