Hamas agrees to release US-Israeli soldier, four bodies
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Hamas has agreed to release an Israeli soldier with American citizenship, as well as the bodies of four other dual nationals.
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Hamas fighters are deployed in Rafah ahead of the planned release of two among six Israeli hostages set to be handed over to the Red Cross, Gaza Strip, on February 22, 2025. (AP)
Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas has agreed to release US-Israeli dual national Idan Alexander along with the bodies of four other dual nationals.
In a statement on Friday, Hamas confirmed it received a proposal from mediators on Thursday to resume negotiations on a ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner swap, noting that it dealt with the proposal "responsibly and positively."
Hamas added that it submitted its response in the early hours of the morning, which included agreeing to "release Israeli soldier Idan Alexander, who holds an American citizenship, as well as the bodies of four other dual nationals."
The movement reaffirmed its full readiness to begin negotiations and reach a comprehensive agreement on issues related to the second phase, calling for the occupation to be obligated to fully implement its obligations.
"We are determined to implement the ceasefire agreement in its various stages."
Hamas leader Hussam Badran reiterated today that "the Palestinian people are steadfast and committed to their land, and will not abandon their homeland regardless of US President Donald Trump's statements."
He highlighted the Palestinian people's determination to thwart any efforts of displacement and to continue serving as the protective shield for the Al Aqsa Mosque, defending it from occupation and attempts at Judaization.
Badran also emphasized, "We are determined to implement the ceasefire agreement in all its stages, and any deviation by the occupation from what was agreed upon will take us back to square one."
He clarified that Hamas has urged mediators to ensure that the occupation fully upholds the ceasefire, ceases violations, and implements all agreed provisions.
Additionally, Badran made it clear that Hamas is open to any proposals that contribute to the effective implementation of the ceasefire while safeguarding the rights of the Palestinian people.
US pushes for extended Gaza ceasefire, captives deal in Doha: Axios
On Thursday, Axios reported that White House envoy Steve Witkoff has introduced an updated US proposal aimed at extending the ceasefire in Gaza for several weeks.
The proposal, presented to mediators in Doha, seeks to secure the recovery of additional captives held by Hamas while allowing humanitarian aid deliveries to resume. Four sources with direct knowledge of the discussions confirmed the details to Axios.
According to two sources, the plan is part of an effort by the Trump administration to prolong negotiations and prevent a return to hostilities during the holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Passover.
The previous ceasefire expired on March 1, but while active fighting has not resumed, "Israel" has halted humanitarian assistance to Gaza and continued sporadic bombings which left dozens of civilians martyred during this period.
There are currently 59 captives still being held in Gaza, and Israeli and US officials believe that 22 of them, including US citizen Edan Alexander, are alive.
Witkoff arrived in Doha on Tuesday night, where he engaged in talks with Qatari and Egyptian mediators, as well as Israeli negotiators present in the Qatari capital. He also held discussions with Qatar's prime minister and foreign ministers from Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, a senior UAE official and an advisor to the Palestinian president took part in a meeting that addressed Egypt's proposed post-war plan for Gaza.
His visit followed direct negotiations last week between Trump's hostage envoy, Adam Boehler, and Hamas' lead negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, a development that Axios first reported. However, Witkoff did not meet with any Hamas representatives during his time in Doha.
