Hamas Says American-Israeli Hostage Will Only Be Freed If Ceasefire Is Implemented

Hamas has issued a pointed demand: Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander will only be released if Israel implements a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, according to a statement from the terrorist group on Saturday.

Alexander, a 21-year-old dual citizen, remains the last living American being held captive in Gaza. A senior Hamas official revealed to the Associated Press that the ceasefire’s second phase must begin on the day of his release and wrap up within 50 days. The conditions also include allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza and Israel withdrawing from a key corridor along Gaza’s Egyptian border.

Labeling the offer as an "exceptional deal," Hamas emphasized that this move aims to revive the stalled truce. They are also calling for the release of additional Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages.

Alexander has been held captive for an astonishing 526 days, as of Saturday, according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. On Friday, Hamas agreed to release Alexander along with the remains of four other hostages, following mediation efforts.

Talks in Qatar continue as negotiators attempt to establish the next phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, which saw its first phase conclude on March 1. Steve Witkoff, special envoy to the Middle East, and Eric Trager, National Security Council senior director for the Middle East and North Africa, have proposed a ‘bridge’ plan to extend the ceasefire beyond Ramadan and Passover while negotiating a permanent resolution.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is slated to meet with his ministerial team to evaluate the current situation and decide on further steps toward securing the release of hostages.

Across Israel, rallies are planned in major cities like Tel Aviv, Sha'ar HaNegev Junction, Carmei Gat, and Jerusalem, demanding the release of all remaining 59 hostages, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum announced.

Edan Alexander’s story is one of resilience and sacrifice. Born in Israel, Alexander moved to New Jersey as a child before deciding to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) after high school. Tragically, his service in the IDF’s Golani Brigade placed him directly in the line of fire during Hamas’ attacks on October 7, 2023 — a day marked by the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the capture of 251 hostages.

His mother, Yael Alexander, shared the heartbreaking details of his capture during a podcast interview. On the morning of October 7, she had a brief phone call with her son, who assured her he was safe despite witnessing "terrible stuff." Hours later, he was taken hostage.

In November 2024, Hamas released a propaganda video featuring Alexander speaking in Hebrew and Arabic, delivering scripted messages about Netanyahu and then-President-elect Donald Trump. The video served as yet another grim reminder of the ongoing crisis.

With global attention fixed on the situation, the pressure is mounting on all sides to bring Edan Alexander and other hostages home safely — a task that remains fraught with obstacles and political brinkmanship.