Hamas Agrees To Release US-Israeli Hostage, Bodies Of Dual Nationals Amid Talks For Ceasefire

Palestinian militant group Hamas has agreed to release a living American-Israeli hostage and the bodies of four dual national hostages who died in captivity. 

It did not immediately specify when the release of soldier Edan Alexander and the four bodies would take place while the countries party to the agreement also did not immediately confirm the Hamas statement. 

The statement by Hamas comes as talks are underway in Doha to try to broker the next stage of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire as the first phase ended two weeks ago. 

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In a separate statement, the Palestinian armed group’s official, Husam Badran reiterated what he said was Hamas’ commitment to fully implementing the ceasefire agreement in all its phases. He also warned that any Israeli deviation from the terms would return negotiations to square one. 

Meanwhile, Israel is pressing Hamas to accept an extension of the first phase of the truce. However, Hamas wants to start negotiations on the ceasefire’s more difficult second phase, which lays out the release of remaining hostages from Gaza, withdrawal of Israeli forces and a lasting peace.