Hamas Agrees to Release American-Israeli Soldier and Bodies of Captives

Hamas has agreed to release American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander and the bodies of four dual nationals. This is part of ongoing negotiations for a second phase of a ceasefire agreement with Israel, following the release of other captives under the first phase. The situation remains critical in Gaza, with significant humanitarian needs and pressure for further negotiations on captive releases and conflict resolution.

On March 14, 2025, Hamas announced its agreement to release American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, who had been taken captive since October 7, 2023. The announcement includes plans to transfer the remains of four dual nationals still held in Gaza. This decision follows a proposal from mediators aimed at resuming negotiations, which Hamas termed as undertaken “responsibly and positively.”

Currently, a total of 59 individuals remain in Hamas’s custody, including 22 known to be alive. Edan Alexander is the only surviving American captive among five taken by Hamas. The timeline for the release of these captives or the identification of the four deceased individuals has yet to be determined.

Hamas is advocating for a transition to the second phase of its ceasefire agreement with Israel, which began on January 19 and was initially set to expire on March 1. During the first phase, Hamas released 38 captives, including eight deceased individuals, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The ongoing ceasefire has significantly reduced hostilities that resulted in over 48,000 fatalities and displacement of the majority of the 2.3 million residents of Gaza.

This agreement has facilitated the entry of thousands of humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza to combat severe hunger among the population, and numerous injured Palestinians have been treated in Egyptian hospitals. Hamas has expressed a desire to negotiate a comprehensive release of remaining captives in exchange for an end to the war and Israeli troop withdrawal, as part of the upcoming phase of the deal.

Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for captives, Adam Boehler, held recent meetings with Hamas and characterized them as beneficial, suggesting that a potential agreement could materialize within weeks. This statement follows a notable shift in U.S. policy, which previously avoided direct interactions with Hamas.

In conclusion, Hamas’s agreement to release Edan Alexander and the remains of four dual nationals marks a significant development in ongoing negotiations influenced by U.S. mediation efforts. The situation in Gaza continues to be dire, with a vast humanitarian crisis and a pressing need for further agreements to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region. Continuous dialogue and negotiations appear crucial in facilitating the release of all remaining captives and addressing the broader issues affecting both parties.

Original Source: www.egypttoday.com