Israel Rejects Hamas Proposal to Free US-Israeli Hostage as ‘Psychological Warfare’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Hamas announced Friday that it was willing to release U.S.-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander and the bodies of four other captives if Israel agreed to move forward with permanent ceasefire negotiations. However, Israel dismissed the proposal as psychological warfare, maintaining that Hamas has refused to compromise. The Israeli cabinet will meet Saturday to decide its next steps, while Hamas leaders arrive in Cairo for mediated ceasefire discussions. Meanwhile, tensions in Gaza remain high as Israeli airstrikes killed four Palestinians on Friday.
Israel-Hamas Hostage Talks Quick Looks:
- Hamas’ Offer: The group proposed releasing Edan Alexander, a U.S.-Israeli soldier, if Israel agreed to permanent ceasefire talks.
- Israel’s Response: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office rejected the proposal, calling it manipulation and psychological warfare.
- Ceasefire in Limbo: The first phase of the truce expired on March 2, with Israel pushing for an extension and Hamas demanding permanent negotiations.
- Mediators in Action: Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. continue efforts to restart hostage negotiations.
- Tensions Escalate: Israeli airstrikes killed four Palestinians in Gaza, highlighting the fragile state of the ceasefire.
Israel Rejects Hamas proposal to Free US-Israeli Hostage, Calls it ‘Psychological Warfare’
Deep Look:
Hamas Offers Hostage Deal, Israel Calls It a Manipulation Tactic
On Friday, Hamas announced it was willing to release 21-year-old U.S.-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, captured during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, as well as the bodies of four hostages.
However, Hamas tied the release to Israel’s agreement to move forward with permanent ceasefire discussions, something Israel has refused to do.
Israel Dismisses the Proposal
In a strong statement, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office rejected Hamas’ offer, accusing the group of using hostage negotiations as leverage.
“While Israel has accepted the Witkoff proposal, Hamas stands by its refusal and has not budged a millimeter,” Netanyahu’s office said.
Israel has insisted on extending the temporary ceasefire, a position backed by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. In contrast, Hamas has refused to release additional hostages unless permanent ceasefire talks begin.
Ceasefire Negotiations Stall
- The first phase of the ceasefire expired on March 2, and Israel has since blockaded Gaza completely.
- Hamas leaders, including exiled Gaza chief Khalil Al-Hayya, are set to meet with Egyptian mediators in Cairo to discuss possible next steps.
- U.S. hostage negotiator Adam Boehler recently met with Hamas officials to discuss Alexander’s potential release.
Violence Continues Despite Truce Efforts
While negotiations remain uncertain, violence persists in Gaza. On Friday:
- Four Palestinians were killed by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood.
- The Israeli military claimed it had targeted militants planting explosives, while Palestinian media reported the victims were civilians gathering firewood.
What’s Next?
- Israeli leaders will meet on Saturday to discuss the next steps in the hostage negotiations.
- Hamas will continue ceasefire talks in Cairo with the help of Egyptian mediators.
- The U.S. will maintain pressure on Israel and Hamas to resume hostage negotiations.
With tensions escalating and both sides unwilling to fully compromise, the fate of hostages and the ceasefire agreement remains uncertain.
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