Shafaq News/ US President DonaldTrump has called Hamas' forthcoming release of Israeli-American soldier IdanAlexander, the last known American hostage held alive in Gaza, a gesture of “goodfaith” toward the United States and mediators working to end the war.
“This was a step taken in good faithtowards the United States and the efforts of the mediators — Qatar and Egypt —to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages andremains to their loved ones,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday. “Hopefullythis is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict. Ilook very much forward to that day of celebration!”
Hamas' Move: Prelude to Ceasefire
Hamas confirmed on Sunday it wouldrelease Alexander as part of ongoing efforts to facilitate a ceasefire in theGaza Strip. The group said the step is intended to reopen border crossings andaccelerate the entry of humanitarian aid and relief supplies.
Alexander, who served in an eliteIsraeli infantry unit on the Gaza border, was captured during Hamas’s October2023 attack. Israeli estimates suggest 59 hostages remain in Gaza, including 21believed to be alive. Meanwhile, more than 9,900 Palestinians remain imprisonedin Israel, where human rights organizations report widespread abuse, includingtorture, starvation, and medical neglect, leading to multiple deaths.
Netanyahu Informed of “Gesture toWashington”
Israeli Prime Minister BenjaminNetanyahu’s office announced that the US informed Israel of Hamas’ intention torelease Alexander “without any conditions or exchange,” describing it as agesture of goodwill toward Washington. The move could reportedly pave the wayfor renewed negotiations based on a proposal by Trump’s Special Envoy to theMiddle East, Steve Witkoff — a plan previously accepted by Israel.
Witkoff’s March proposal involvedthe release of five Israeli hostages in exchange for a 50-day ceasefire, therelease of Palestinian detainees, expanded humanitarian access to Gaza, andtalks over a second-phase agreement, according to Israeli media outlets.
Hamas did not reject the plan andinstead blamed Netanyahu for sabotaging progress by resuming militaryoperations.
Since the war began in October 2023,over 61,709 Palestinians have been killed and more than 111,588 injured, mostlywomen and children.
US Tour: Diplomatic Signals
The anticipated release comes aheadof Trump’s planned tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emiratesfrom Tuesday through Friday. The itinerary notably excludes a stop in Israel,amid rising tensions between Trump and Netanyahu.
Recent media reports allege thatTrump has halted direct communication with the Israeli leader over suspicionsthat Netanyahu has been manipulating the US administration behind the scenes.
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