BREAKING: Hamas offers to release American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander and 4 bodies

Ealeir today (Shabbat) a Hamas spokesman stated that "the ball is in Israel’s court" following the group's offer to release one living Israeli-American hostage and the bodies of four other dual-national hostages as part of ongoing Gaza truce negotiations. This statement reflects Hamas's position that it has responded constructively to a proposal from mediators—likely involving Qatar, Egypt, and the United States—and is now awaiting Israel's response to move the talks forward.

Hamas's offer comes amid a fragile ceasefire process that began with a first phase on January 19, 2025, which included a six-week truce and the exchange of some hostages for Palestinian prisoners. That phase has since concluded, with Hamas releasing 25 living hostages and the bodies of several others, while Israel freed over 600 Palestinian detainees. However, the second phase—intended to secure the release of all remaining hostages, a full Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, and a permanent ceasefire—has not yet started, with both sides accusing each other of stalling.

A Hamas source speaking to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Sharq channel revealed that new criteria have been established for the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander and the remains of four other deceased hostages held in Gaza. The updated terms demand a higher number of Palestinian prisoners to be freed in exchange for each captured Israeli soldier, marking a shift in the negotiation framework.

The group claims it approached the proposal with "responsibility and positivity."

The source emphasized Hamas’s willingness to launch discussions for the second phase of the Gaza truce deal without delay, urging mediators to pressure Israel into following suit.

Israel’s response has been skeptical. Israeli officials stated on March 14 that Hamas had "not budged a millimetre" from its previous positions, suggesting a lack of significant concessions beyond what was already agreed in the first phase. Israel has consistently demanded the release of all hostages—59 are believed to remain in Gaza, with up to 24 still alive—and the dismantling of Hamas’s military capabilities, while refusing to commit to a full withdrawal from Gaza or a permanent end to the war.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government faces domestic pressure to secure the hostages’ release but also resistance from right-wing coalition members who oppose any deal that leaves Hamas intact.

Recent Israeli actions, such as cutting off electricity and aid supplies, have intensified pressure on Hamas, though they’ve also drawn international criticism.

Hamas’s statement places the onus on Israel to reciprocate, potentially by agreeing to extend the ceasefire or release more Palestinian prisoners. Mediators are reportedly pushing for a deal that could lead to a longer truce—possibly 5 to 10 years, as floated by U.S. officials—during which Hamas would refrain from governing Gaza or rearming.

However, the sticking points remain: Israel’s insistence on maintaining a military presence in strategic areas like the Philadelphi Corridor and Hamas’s demand for a complete Israeli withdrawal and end to the conflict. Without a breakthrough, the ceasefire remains precarious, and the risk of resumed hostilities looms large.