Hamas to Release American Hostage As Trump Urges End to Israeli ‘Brutal’ War
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Hamas has agreed to release an Israeli-American captive as part of renewed ceasefire efforts in Gaza, amid growing international pressure including from US President Donald Trump to end Israel’s “brutal” war in Gaza.
Hamas announced plans to release Israeli-American soldier Idan Alexander as part of ongoing ceasefire efforts, drawing a rare rebuke from US envoy Steve Witkoff against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The resistance group said Sunday that recent negotiations with the US administration have been positive and are being facilitated by Qatari, Egyptian, and Turkish mediators.
Alexander, who served in an elite Israeli infantry unit near the Gaza border, is believed to be the last living American captive in Gaza.
His release is intended to support broader goals, including a ceasefire, the reopening of border crossings, and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Hamas expressed readiness for immediate, intensive talks to achieve a final ceasefire, a mutual prisoner exchange, and the formation of an independent professional authority to govern Gaza.
The Palestinian resistance group said such measures would promote long-term stability, reconstruction, and the lifting of the Israeli blockade.
Hamas praised the roles of Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey in the mediation efforts.
Israel currently estimates 59 captives remain in Gaza, with 21 believed to be alive.
Over 9,900 Palestinians are held in Israeli prisons, where rights groups have reported torture, starvation, and medical neglect.
Trump welcomed Hamas' move on Truth Social, calling the release “a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators — Qatar and Egypt — to put an end to this very brutal war.”
Trump noted that Hamas is pushing for a comprehensive deal for the release of all captives in exchange for ending the war, while Israel favors a partial agreement tied to a temporary ceasefire.
“Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict,” Trump wrote.
US envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff accused Israel of extending the war unnecessarily during a meeting with families of Israeli captives, according to Channel 12.
“We want to bring the hostages home, but Israel is not prepared to end the war,” Witkoff said.
He criticized Netanyahu's approach, saying the Israeli government is “prolonging the war, even though we do not see where further progress can be made.”
Witkoff emphasized that a “window of opportunity” exists for mediators and called for immediate action.
His comments preceded Trump’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE; Israel is not on the itinerary.
US and Israeli media have reported rising friction between Trump and Netanyahu, with Washington signaling a willingness to act independently in the region.
Netanyahu reportedly told the Knesset’s foreign affairs and defense committee that there is a “strong possibility” of Alexander’s release.
Since October 2023, Israel’s offensive in Gaza has killed over 52,800 Palestinians, mostly women and children.
Humanitarian aid has been blocked from entering Gaza since March 2, worsening famine conditions for its 2.4 million residents.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former defense minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces genocide charges at the International Court of Justice.
