Hamas Agrees To Release US-Israeli Hostage, Bodies Of Dual Nationals Amid Talks For Ceasefire’s Second Phase

Hamas has agreed to release American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander and the bodies of four dual national hostages who died in captivity.

By : ABP Live News | Updated at : 14 Mar 2025 11:05 PM (IST)

Hamas has agreed to release a American-Israeli hostage and bodies of 4 dual nationals.
Source : @ayooosh04/X

Palestinian militant group Hamas has agreed to release a living American-Israeli hostage and the bodies of four dual national hostages who died in captivity. 

It did not immediately specify when the release of soldier Edan Alexander and the four bodies would take place while the countries party to the agreement also did not immediately confirm the Hamas statement. 

The statement by Hamas comes as talks are underway in Doha to try to broker the next stage of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire as the first phase ended two weeks ago. 

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In a separate statement, the Palestinian armed group's official, Husam Badran reiterated what he said was Hamas' commitment to fully implementing the ceasefire agreement in all its phases. He also warned that any Israeli deviation from the terms would return negotiations to square one. 

Meanwhile, Israel is pressing Hamas to accept an extension of the first phase of the truce. However, Hamas wants to start negotiations on the ceasefire's more difficult second phase, which lays out the release of remaining hostages from Gaza, withdrawal of Israeli forces and a lasting peace. 

Israel Dismisses Offer

Hamas said it has agreed to free the hostages and bodies of the dead hostages if Israel begins the next phase of ceasefire talks towards a permanent end to the war. However, Israel has rejected the offer dismissing it as "psychological warfare," reported Reuters.  

The United States has tabled a new proposal that would secure the release of a handful of living hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a month-long extension of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostages exchange deal. 

The proposal, which was put forward this week in Qatar by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, lays that Israel would also lift the blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has been ongoing for nearly two weeks. 

The announcement comes days after the US said it was negotiating with the Palestinian militant group directly over the ceasefire deal. In doing so, the US has gone against the tradition of not talking to groups it considers terrorist organisations.

Published at : 14 Mar 2025 05:36 PM (IST)
Tags :
Israel Ceasefire Hostages Hamas

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