Hamas Links American-Israeli Hostage Release to Ceasefire Compliance

Hamas has announced that it will only release an American-Israeli hostage and the bodies of four others if Israel fully implements the existing ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The group demands immediate humanitarian aid access, an Israeli withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor, and the start of negotiations for the second phase of the truce, which must not exceed 50 days.

The hostage, 21-year-old Edan Alexander, was abducted during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and is believed to be the last American citizen held in Gaza.

Israel has not yet responded due to the Sabbath closure, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office previously dismissed Hamas’ proposal as manipulation. The United States has also rejected Hamas’ demands, stating they are impractical and contradict public claims of flexibility.

Mediation efforts continue in Egypt and Qatar, with senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya arriving in Cairo for further talks. The first phase of the ceasefire saw the release of 25 Israeli hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, along with increased humanitarian aid.

With Israel refusing to withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor, citing security concerns, negotiations remain stalled. International pressure is increasing for both sides to resume talks and secure a long-term resolution.