Will Hamas Release Israeli-American Hostage Edan Alexander to Achieve Ceasefire?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Hamas is set to release Edan Alexander.
- The release is part of ceasefire negotiations.
- Hamas has communicated actively with the US.
- Intensive negotiations are expected to commence soon.
- Humanitarian aid access remains a critical concern.
Gaza, May 12 (NationPress) - Hamas has announced plans to liberate Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander from the Gaza Strip as part of its strategy to secure a ceasefire and facilitate the reopening of border crossings for humanitarian aid.
Khalil al-Hayya, a prominent Hamas official and head of the group's negotiating team, stated in a recent announcement that Hamas has been communicating with the US administration in recent days and has demonstrated "significant positivity" towards mediation efforts, according to the Xinhua news agency.
"To further the cause of achieving a ceasefire, reopening crossings, and permitting humanitarian aid into Gaza, the movement will proceed with the release of Edan Alexander," al-Hayya elaborated.
He emphasized that Hamas is willing to initiate intensive negotiations promptly and engage earnestly in discussions aimed at concluding the conflict, finalizing a prisoner exchange agreement, and forming an independent, professional authority to oversee governance in the Gaza Strip.
Suhail al-Hindi, another senior Hamas figure, informed Xinhua that the release is expected to occur within 48 hours.
Edan Alexander, aged 18, is thought to be the last American hostage still in captivity in Gaza.
The family of the US-Israeli hostage has expressed optimism about his release “in the coming days” following Hamas's announcement.
A temporary ceasefire was established in January, allowing for the release of some hostages and the entry of humanitarian assistance during a preliminary six-week phase.
However, negotiations fell through after this initial phase concluded on March 1, leading to a suspension of both the prisoner exchange and humanitarian aid deliveries.