U.S. Envoy: Hamas Statement on Hostage Release Tied to Ceasefire Proposal
Key Points:
- Hamas Statement: On Friday, Hamas announced it had agreed to release American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander and the bodies of four other hostages following a proposal from mediators in Qatar.
- U.S. Response: Special Envoy Steve Witkoff clarified that Hamas’ statement was linked to a “bridge” ceasefire proposal made by U.S. officials earlier in the week.
- Ceasefire Proposal Details:
- Proposed extending the current ceasefire beyond Ramadan and Passover to allow negotiations for a permanent agreement.
- Called for Hamas to release additional living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
- Aimed to resume humanitarian aid into Gaza.
- Hamas’ Reaction: The U.S. accused Hamas of publicly appearing flexible while making “entirely impractical” demands for a permanent ceasefire in private.
- Israeli Response:
- Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office stated that Israel had accepted the Witkoff framework.
- Accused Hamas of psychological warfare against hostage families.
- Netanyahu’s team to discuss further action on Saturday evening.
- Current Hostage Situation:
- Hamas is holding 24 living hostages from the Oct. 7 attack that sparked the war.
- The group also holds the bodies of 34 others, along with the remains of an Israeli soldier killed in 2014.
- U.S. Position:
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the U.S. remains cautious about Hamas’ claims but reaffirmed President Trump’s commitment to securing hostages’ release.
- Witkoff previously called Alexander’s release a “top priority”.
The situation remains tense, with the U.S., Israel, and mediators pressing Hamas for action while ceasefire negotiations remain uncertain. The release of hostages and the extension of the ceasefire continue to be key issues in ongoing diplomatic efforts.
