Hamas says it will release US-Israeli captive as Tel Aviv stresses ‘not committed’ to ceasefire
The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas is about to release an Israeli-American trooper in its captivity following, what has been billed as, a reported deal with the United States that was clinched without the Israeli regime’s involvement.
Speaking on Monday, Abu Obeida, spokesman for al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, said the development was about to get underway later in the day.
The 21-year-old has been held captive since October 7, 2023, when the Gaza Strip’s resistance fighters launched a uniquely-courageous operation against the occupied Palestinian territories.
As many as 251 Zionists were ensnared during the operation that took place in response to decades of deadly Israeli occupation and aggression.
The release is reportedly part of a broader agreement between Hamas and the US.
Alexander’s potential release would follow reported direct negotiations between Hamas and US officials, bypassing Israeli involvement entirely.
Trump: A step in good faith towards US
US President Donald Trump expressed gratitude over the prospect of the release, saying, “I am grateful to all those involved in making this monumental news happen.” He also called it a “step taken in good faith towards the United States.”
He considered such development to be a positive one concerning mediators Qatar and Egypt’s efforts too, while being a step towards cessation of “this very brutal war.”
Israel, however, says it has not committed to a ceasefire “in any way” for Hamas’s release of Alexander, but will set up a “safe corridor” to facilitate the move.
The regime has also not agreed to a ceasefire or any deal involving the exchange of more captives with Palestinian prisoners after it entirely sabotaged a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, which had been reached in January, by re-launching the genocide, and with more intensity still.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the regime had permitted a safe corridor for Alexander’s release, but emphasized that military attacks against Gaza would continue.
US officials, including regional envoy Steve Witkoff, is reportedly preparing to oversee the process of Alexander’s release.
The stance has, meanwhile, drawn sharp criticism from Israeli opposition officials and families of other captives, who feel that their family members, who are still being held in Gaza, were being neglected in favor of an American citizen.
