Hamas Offers to Release U.S.-Israeli Captive as Part of Truce Talks with Washington
Direct Negotiations Between Hamas and U.S. Signal Progress Toward a Ceasefire and Humanitarian Aid Deal for Gaza.
Watan-A senior official from the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) stated on Sunday that the group is ready to release Israeli-American captive Aidan Alexander, currently held in Gaza, as part of efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement and allow humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave.
Khalil al-Hayya, the head of Hamas’s negotiating delegation, confirmed in a statement:“The movement is prepared to immediately begin intensive negotiations and make serious efforts to reach a final agreement for ending the war and a prisoner exchange.”
Hamas also expressed its approval of an independent professional body managing the Gaza Strip, aiming to ensure long-term stability, reconstruction, and an end to the blockade.
Hamas Gesture Spurs Aid Deal Talks Amid U.S. and Regional Mediation Efforts
Al-Hayya praised the “tireless efforts” of mediators in Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey throughout the negotiation period.
U.S. Presidential Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is expected to arrive in Israel on Monday, according to Israel’s Channel 12.
Meanwhile, Israel Hayom reported that in return for the release of Alexander, Israel will reopen crossings to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
U.S. Special Envoy Adam Boehler described Hamas’s move as “a positive step forward,” adding that the U.S. would also request the return of the remains of four other American citizens kidnapped and held in Gaza.
Boehler attributed the recent breakthrough to the momentum created by President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East this week.
Earlier in the day, a senior Palestinian official and two Hamas leaders confirmed that the movement has been engaging in direct talks with the U.S. regarding a ceasefire and humanitarian access in Gaza.
One Hamas official, a member of the group’s political bureau, said:“For several days, direct talks between Hamas leadership and the U.S. have been ongoing in Doha regarding a ceasefire, prisoner exchange, and humanitarian access to Gaza. Some progress has been made,” adding that “the coming hours are critical.”
Hamas, U.S. Discuss 70-Day Ceasefire and Aid Plan as Gaza Faces Dire Shortages
Another senior Hamas figure confirmed the discussions aim to secure a 70-day ceasefire, extendable to 90 days. Talks have included mechanisms for ending hostilities, prisoner releases, and facilitating humanitarian aid.
Although no final agreement has been reached yet, discussions continue with American envoys. Hamas informed U.S. officials of its readiness to release Aidan Alexander as part of a broader understanding, though no additional details were provided.
President Trump has repeatedly pledged to help deliver food to Palestinians in Gaza. On Friday, the U.S. envoy to Israel confirmed that a U.S.-backed humanitarian aid mechanism for Gaza would be implemented soon.
The U.S. has previously engaged Hamas on the release of American captives in Gaza.
Since March 2, Israel has completely halted supplies to Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. Nearly all food reserves from the earlier truce have now been depleted.
On March 18, Israel effectively ended the January ceasefire agreement with Hamas and resumed its military campaign in Gaza.
