‘Tip of the iceberg’: Iran says Netanyahu sabotages release of US-Israeli captive

Iran says Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has attempted to stop a reported deal between the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas and the United States to free an Israeli-American captive held in Gaza.

“Tip of the iceberg,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on his X account on Monday.

Earlier on Monday, Abu Obeida, spokesman for al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, said the movement is about to release Edan Alexander following what has been billed as a reported deal with the US that was clinched without the Israeli regime’s involvement.

The 21-year-old Alexander 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.

In a statement on Sunday, Hamas said, “Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, a dual US national, will be released as part of efforts towards a ceasefire.”

The Hamas leader in Gaza said that Alexander will be released as a first step toward a ceasefire, the opening of Gaza’s crossings, and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

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.

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, are reportedly preparing to oversee the process of Alexander’s release.