Hamas offers deal for release of American-Israeli captive

A senior Hamas official stated on March 15th that the militant group will release its US-Israeli captive and the bodies of four other hostages if Israel agrees to the terms of the existing ceasefire agreement.

According to the Associated Press, Hamas has outlined several specific demands as part of the deal.

These include that the long delayed talks of the ceasefire negotiations must commence immediately following the release of the hostages.

The negotiations are set to last no longer than 50 days, with the stipulation that Israel must lift its ongoing blockade of Gaza as part of the terms.

Hamas also insists on the release of additional Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages held by the group.

The official emphasised that this offer is contingent on Israel’s willingness to uphold the ceasefire and enter into further negotiations.

Hamas demand the blockade on Gaza to be lifted, allowing humanitarian aid to resume and the withdrawal of Israel from the strategic corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt.

Edan Alexander, aged 21, from New Jersey, was abducted during the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.

The attack targeted Israeli military bases and led to the abduction of multiple individuals.

Alexander is now the last known American citizen still alive and being held in Gaza, a situation that has drawn widespread international attention.

The talks are reportedly being conducted behind closed doors, with the official speaking on the condition of anonymity.

These developments add increasing pressure on Israel to consider further concessions.

The situation remains highly sensitive, with both sides locked in ongoing discussions that could ultimately determine the future of the ceasefire.

If an agreement is reached, it could lead to a broader cessation of hostilities, potentially paving the way for long-term peace negotiations.

However, it is unclear whether Israel will accept the Hamas terms on the deal to release US-Israeli captive, given the complexity of the demands and the broader regional tensions at play.

The Associated Press.