Hamas to Release Last U.S. Hostage Edan Alexander

Hamas has agreed to release Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American and the last living U.S. hostage from the October 2023 attacks in Israel, along with the bodies of four deceased dual-national hostages. This decision is part of a broader negotiation effort led by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt to resume the second phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which had stalled after the initial agreement expired. Mediators have presented a proposal to continue these negotiations, aiming to resolve the remaining issues around the ceasefire and the release of hostages. Hamas has shown a willingness to engage with this proposal, although specific demands or conditions for the release have not been disclosed. The Trump administration has prioritized securing the release of U.S. hostages, presenting a diplomatic challenge for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces domestic pressure against a permanent ceasefire. Talks are ongoing in Doha, with hopes that this agreement might lead to further breakthroughs in the fragile peace process.