Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, May 12: In a major diplomatic development, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the United States has notified Israel of Hamas’s decision to release hostage Edan Alexander without demanding any concessions. The move, described by Washington as a "goodwill gesture," is expected to set the stage for broader negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire.
Alexander, a US-born Israeli soldier, was kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led cross-border assault in which approximately 1,200 people were killed and around 250 were taken hostage. If confirmed, his release on Tuesday would mark the first instance of a hostage being freed without an exchange of prisoners or other demands.
Netanyahu’s office stated that this development aligns with the US-backed Witkoff Framework — a proposal put forward in March calling for the phased release of hostages in return for a 50-day ceasefire, followed by negotiations. Notably, the plan does not include Hamas’s earlier demands for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza or the mass release of Palestinian detainees.
Israeli officials said they are preparing for additional potential releases but reiterated that negotiations will continue “under fire,” reflecting Israel’s continued military operations in Gaza.
Hamas confirmed the decision on Sunday, citing ongoing discussions with American officials and indicating that the release is tied to broader efforts to reopen border crossings and increase humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
Meanwhile, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed the news but urged the government to prioritize a comprehensive deal for the return of all remaining hostages. “There is only one moral and necessary agreement: the immediate return of all hostages and the end of the war,” the group said, warning that “no one can be left behind.”
Israel estimates that 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with at least 21 believed to be alive. Gaza’s Health Ministry claims more than 52,800 Palestinians have died in Israeli military operations since the war began.