Hamas to free Israeli-American hostage in bid to secure ceasefire

IANS May 12, 2025 194 views

Hamas has announced plans to release 18-year-old Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander within 48 hours as part of broader peace negotiations. The move represents a potential breakthrough in the ongoing Gaza conflict, with senior Hamas officials expressing willingness to engage in intensive talks. This release could pave the way for reopening border crossings and resuming humanitarian aid deliveries. The development comes after previous ceasefire attempts collapsed in March, raising cautious hope for diplomatic progress.

"As part of efforts to achieve a ceasefire, open crossings, and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza" - Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas Official
Gaza, May 12: Hamas said that it will release Israeli-US hostage Edan Alexander from the Gaza Strip as part of efforts to secure a ceasefire and reopen border crossings for aid delivery.

Key Points

1

Hamas seeks renewed negotiations to end Gaza war

2

Edan Alexander, 18, last living US hostage in Gaza

3

Potential prisoner exchange and humanitarian aid restart

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Diplomatic mediation continues with US involvement

Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official and head of the group's negotiating team, said in a statement that Hamas had been in contact with the US administration in recent days and had shown "great positivity" toward mediation efforts, Xinhua news agency reported.

"As part of efforts to achieve a ceasefire, open crossings, and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, the movement will release Edan Alexander," al-Hayya said.

He added that Hamas is prepared to begin intensive negotiations immediately and engage seriously in talks aimed at ending the war, reaching a prisoner exchange deal, and establishing an independent, professional body to govern the Gaza Strip.

Suhail al-Hindi, a senior official of Hamas, told Xinhua that the release would be within 48 hours.

Alexander, 18, is believed to be the last living American hostage held in Gaza.

The family of US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander said on Sunday they expected his release “in the coming days” after Hamas announced it would free him.

A temporary ceasefire was reached in January, allowing for the release of some hostages and the entry of humanitarian aid during an initial six-week phase.

However, talks collapsed after the first phase ended on March 1, halting both the prisoner exchange and aid deliveries.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is a positive development, but we've seen these temporary ceasefires before. Hamas needs to release ALL hostages unconditionally. India knows the pain of terrorism too well - we can't reward hostage-taking with negotiations. 🇮🇳
R
Rahul S.
While the release is good news, why single out just one hostage? What about others still suffering? This selective approach seems like a PR move. The international community must push for complete resolution, not piecemeal solutions.
A
Ananya M.
As an Indian watching from afar, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza breaks my heart. But we must remember how October 7 started - no country can tolerate such attacks. Hope this leads to lasting peace 🤞
V
Vikram P.
Interesting timing - just before US elections. Hamas playing geopolitics. India should learn from this - we must never compromise with terror groups, whether in Kashmir or elsewhere. Strong borders = strong nation.
S
Sunita R.
The poor civilians on both sides suffer the most in these conflicts. Hope this small gesture leads to more humanitarian aid reaching Gaza. India should offer medical assistance - we have the capacity and compassion to help.
K
Karan D.
While we welcome any hostage release, India must be cautious about taking sides. Our foreign policy has always been balanced. This conflict shows why we need strong self-reliance in defense and energy sectors.

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Tags:
Hamas Edan Alexander Gaza Conflict Hostage Release US-Israel Ceasefire Negotiations