Gaza City: The Palestinian resistance group Hamas announced its readiness to engage in negotiations for a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. This development follows the release of Israeli American hostage Edan Alexander by Hamas's armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, after discussions with the United States.
According to Anadolu Agency, Hamas expressed its willingness to initiate talks to reach a comprehensive agreement that would ensure a sustainable ceasefire, withdrawal of the occupation army, end the siege, exchange prisoners, and facilitate the reconstruction of Gaza. Alexander, who served in an elite infantry unit on the Gaza border, was the last known living US hostage in Gaza.
Hamas emphasized the need for "serious and responsible" negotiations to secure the release of prisoners, warning that continued aggression would only prolong their suffering. The group also urged US President Donald Trump's administration to persist in efforts to end the conflict, criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his actions in Gaza.
Meanwhile, the Israeli army confirmed Alexander's handover from the Red Cross, with vehicles of the International Committee of the Red Cross transporting him towards the Kissufim crossing. Israel's Channel 14 reported that Israeli military officials plan to resume attacks unless political leadership intervenes.
Israel's public broadcaster, Kan, and an Anadolu correspondent reported on coordination efforts involving Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and Israel's Coordinator for Prisoners and Missing Persons, Gal Hirsch, for Alexander's release. The negotiations involved Hamas, the US, Egypt, and Qatar, without direct Israeli involvement.
An Israeli delegation is set to travel to Doha to discuss a potential prisoner exchange and ceasefire agreement, following a meeting between Netanyahu, Witkoff, and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. Trump's visit to the Middle East, including stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, is anticipated to coincide with these discussions.
Israel estimates that 59 captives remain in Gaza, with 21 believed to be alive. Conversely, over 9,900 Palestinians are in Israeli prisons, where rights groups report severe human rights abuses. Since March 2, Israel has restricted humanitarian aid to Gaza, causing dire conditions for the territory's 2.4 million residents.
The conflict has resulted in the deaths of nearly 52,900 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023, predominantly women and children. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes, while Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.