US takes over Iran, Yemen, Gaza talks, sidelines 'Israel'
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Trump prepares for a pivotal Middle East visit with rising pressure to secure the release of 59 captives and the remains of dual-citizen Americans.
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President Donald Trump speaks while signing an executive order related to drug prices, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, May 12, 2025, in Washington. (AP)
The United States has overtaken the Israeli regime in leading negotiations related to Iran, Ansar Allah, and most recently, the case of Israeli soldier and American captive Idan Alexander, according to Israeli Channel 13.
Citing a US official, Channel 13 reported that following Alexander's release, immediate negotiations are expected to begin to reach a comprehensive agreement. The fate of other captives held in Gaza is now reportedly in the hands of US President Donald Trump, as both Hamas and "Israel" await Washington's next steps.
Israeli media also reported that the US is actively working to recover the remains of four American captives believed to have been killed during the war.
Families of captives press Trump
Meanwhile, families of the captives published an English-language advertisement in The New York Post ahead of Trump’s Middle East visit, urging him to ensure the release of all 59 individuals held by the Palestinian resistance in Gaza.
"President Trump, we wish you success in your historic trip to the Middle East," the ad read. "Your vision for peace in the region depends on the release of all 59 hostages held by Hamas. Their return will bring hope for a new reality. We know that bringing them home is a personal mission for you. Our hopes are with you."
Netanyahu claims Edan Alexander’s release achieved through 'military pressure'
The anticipated release of a US-Israeli captive by Hamas would not lead to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip or the release of Palestinian prisoners, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Monday.
Negotiations for a broader deal to secure the release of all Israeli captives in Gaza would proceed, Netanyahu stated, but would do so “under fire, during preparations for an intensification of the fighting,” according to a statement issued by his office.
Hamas announced on Sunday that it would release Edan Alexander, a US-Israeli soldier held in Gaza, as it confirmed direct talks with the United States toward a potential ceasefire in the war-torn Palestinian territory.
Abu Obeida, the spokesperson of Hamas's al-Qassam Brigades, confirmed that the group has decided to release the 21-year-old Israeli soldier on Monday, without providing further details concerning the process.
