Hamas on Friday said it agreed to release American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander and the bodies of four other Americans, following a proposal from mediators to resume negotiations with Israel over a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s envoy for negotiations, presented the proposal, which reportedly includes Israel lifting a blockade on humanitarian aid entering the Strip.
A source familiar with the negotiations told CNN that the Witkoff proposal includes a month-long ceasefire to secure the release of a handful of living hostages. The exact number of living hostages to be released and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails are part of ongoing negotiations.
The ceasefire extension would run until the end of Passover on April 20, CNN reported, and renew humanitarian aid deliveries through the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Israel accepted the framework but is convening a Saturday night meeting to receive a detailed report from negotiators before deciding on the next steps for the release of the hostages, according to a statement from the office of the Israeli prime minister.
Hamas holds 59 hostages, about half of whom are believed to be alive. The group kidnapped them from southern Israel as part of its terrorist attack launched on Oct. 7, 2023, when it killed an estimated 1,200 people.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has pushed for an immediate and comprehensive deal to secure the release of all the hostages. Hamas released dozens of hostages as part of a first phase ceasefire deal that went into effect on Jan. 19, and those released described living in horrific conditions, held in tunnels, chained, tortured and starved.
“We know from our loved ones who were released about the horrific conditions those still in captivity endure. Without a comprehensive deal, we risk sealing the fate of all remaining hostages,” The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement on Friday.
“As President Trump has assured our families and the world, and as he has stated time and again, the return of all hostages is a top priority for his administration. His commitment to bringing our loved ones home has given us hope during this darkest of times.”
President Trump said he was shocked hearing the personal testimonies of recently released hostages, after welcoming them into the Oval Office.
Witkoff, in earlier remarks to the press, said the administration is committed to returning all of the hostages.