Gaza Conflict: Hostage Negotiations for Edan Alexander Intensify

The fate of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander remains uncertain after Hamas lost contact with his captors following an Israeli raid, with both Hamas and Israel blaming each other for endangering hostages amid ongoing negotiations. Meanwhile, the U.S. government has intensified efforts to deport non-citizen pro-Palestinian activists involved in campus protests, citing national security and foreign policy concerns, often using Cold War-era immigration laws. High-profile cases include Columbia University activist Mohsen Mahdawi, whose deportation is being pursued on grounds that his activism undermines U.S. efforts to end the Israel-Hamas war. While some reports highlight Mahdawi’s past controversial statements and alleged support for violent resistance, others note that he withdrew from campus leadership and sought dialogue with Israeli students as the protest movement became more radical. These developments reflect broader tensions over free speech, due process, and the boundaries of activism in the context of the Israel-Gaza conflict.