Hamas has announced its decision to release an American-Israeli dual national, believed to be the last living American hostage held in Gaza. This move comes after receiving a proposal from mediators to resume negotiations on the second phase of a ceasefire deal.

By Linda Bordoni

The Israeli cabinet is scheduled to convene on Saturday night to discuss a detailed report from the Gaza ceasefire negotiating team in Qatar, where US mediators are facilitating indirect talks between Hamas and Israel. However, Netanyahu’s office has already accused Hamas of maintaining its previous positions.

According to a statement released on Friday, Hamas has responded “positively” to the proposal presented by the negotiating team to restart negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal.

Hamas officials have specified that their positive response and willingness to release the last American-Israeli hostage, as well as the bodies of four other dual nationality hostages, is contingent on the resumption of talks concerning the ceasefire, the opening of crossings, and the lifting of a total blockade imposed by Israel two weeks ago. This blockade has resulted in severe shortages of food supplies, medicines, fuel, and even electricity.

The US President’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, had previously stated that securing the release of American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander was a “top priority”.

The United States, Qatar, and Egypt have been working to bridge the gaps between the Islamic militant group and Israel in order to restart negotiations, amidst ongoing Israeli strikes in the West Bank and beyond.

Meanwhile, fighting in Gaza has ceased since January 19 under the first phase of a three-phase ceasefire agreement. During this phase, Hamas exchanged 33 Israeli hostages and five Thais for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

However, when the first phase expired on March 2, the parties failed to agree on the start of the second phase. Israel proposed extending the first phase, while Hamas insisted on resuming hostage releases only under the second phase, which requires Israel to discuss troop withdrawal and a permanent end to the conflict.

Despite being hospitalized for bilateral pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Pope Francis continues to pray and appeal for an end to the war. He has even taken the time to personally call the Holy Family Catholic Parish in Gaza, whenever possible, to convey his closeness and concern.

(Source: AP and other news agencies)