Hamas to release American hostage, Israel calls it ‘psychological warfare’
Hamas will also release the bodies of four other dual nationality hostages
Hamas said on Friday it had agreed to free an American-Israeli dual national if Israel begins a phase of ceasefire talks towards a permanent end to the war, but Israel dismissed the offer as “psychological warfare”.
Hamas said it had made the offer to release New Jersey native Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old soldier in the Israeli army, and hand over bodies of four other dual national hostages, after receiving a proposal from mediators for negotiations on the stalled second phase of a ceasefire deal.
Fighting in Gaza has been halted since January 19 under the ceasefire accord. But when its preliminary first phase expired on March 2, the sides failed to agree the start of the second phase, leading to a breakdown of talks and a total Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Israel has offered to extend the first phase into April, a proposal backed by US envoy Steve Witkoff. But Hamas has said it would resume releasing hostages only if the second phase begins, during which Israel would be required to discuss troop withdrawals and a permanent end to the war, major demands of Hamas.
Netanyhu’s office called Hamas’ offer to release Alexander “manipulation and psychological warfare”.
“While Israel has accepted the Witkoff proposal, Hamas stands by its refusal and has not budged a millimetre,” his office added. It said he would convene with his cabinet on Saturday night to discuss the hostage situation and decide on the next steps.
US envoy Witkoff told reporters at the White House early in March that gaining the release of Alexander was a “top priority”. US hostage negotiator Adam Boehler met with Hamas leaders in recent days to seek Alexander’s release.
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