Hamas Loses Contact with Captors of Hostage Edan Alexander After Israeli Strike

Hamas's armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, has announced that it lost contact with the militants holding Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander following an Israeli airstrike on their location. The spokesman, Abu Obeida, suggested that the Israeli military's actions were part of a strategy to deflect attention from ongoing ceasefire negotiations and relieve pressure regarding dual-citizen hostages. Alexander, who has been held since October 7, 2023, was recently shown in a video released by Hamas, raising concerns for his safety amid the conflict. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claim they do not target areas where hostages are believed to be held, emphasizing that all military operations are carefully planned to avoid endangering them. President Trump's special envoy has stated that securing Alexander's release remains a high priority for the U.S. government. The situation continues to develop as both sides navigate the complexities of the hostage situation amidst ongoing military operations in Gaza.