Hamas Agrees to Release American-Israeli Hostages and Bodies in Ceasefire Deal Progress

Hamas announced on Friday that it has agreed to release American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander and the bodies of four deceased American citizens: Omer Neutra, Itay Chen, Gadi Haggai, and Judy Weinstein Haggai. This move follows a new proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release agreement presented by American mediators, which Hamas has responded to positively.

The new proposal, presented by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in Doha on Wednesday, aims to extend the Gaza ceasefire for several weeks in exchange for the release of at least five living hostages and the remains of others held by Hamas. According to sources familiar with the discussions, this extended ceasefire would last for 50 days, from March 1 to April 20, with further negotiations on the deal's continuation during that period.

The proposal is the latest development in a series of unprecedented direct negotiations between the U.S. and Hamas regarding the release of hostages and the broader goal of ending the ongoing conflict. This marks the first time the U.S. has engaged directly with Hamas, a significant shift in diplomatic approach. Currently, five American citizens remain held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, with four confirmed dead and 21-year-old Edan Alexander believed to be alive.

While U.S. officials have expressed optimism about the progress of these talks, with Witkoff committed to securing the safe return of all hostages, the situation remains fluid. Some officials are questioning the pace of the proposed agreements, with Israeli political figures like Benny Gantz critiquing the current framework for hostage releases.

In addition to the hostage release plans, Hamas has made it clear that it wants Israel to fulfill commitments made under previous agreements, including a withdrawal from Gaza and the Philadelphi Corridor. The group insists that the second phase of the ceasefire deal be honored, including the promise not to return to war.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qasim criticized the new ceasefire proposal, accusing Israel of not implementing agreed-upon humanitarian measures and claiming that any Israeli aggression would be met with defense actions by Hamas.