Hamas Ties American Hostage Release to Ceasefire Implementation
The group demands Israel meet truce terms, including aid access and prisoner exchanges, as airstrikes in Gaza kill nine.
- Hamas has offered to release Edan Alexander, the last U.S. citizen held in Gaza, and the bodies of four others if Israel implements the ceasefire agreement.
- The ceasefire's second phase would require Israel to allow humanitarian aid, withdraw from a border corridor, and negotiate within 50 days, demands Israel has resisted.
- Israeli airstrikes in Beit Lahiya killed nine Palestinians, including three journalists documenting aid distribution, prompting accusations of escalation from Hamas.
- Israel has halted aid deliveries to Gaza since March 2, worsening a humanitarian crisis marked by fuel shortages, malnutrition, and lack of potable water.
- Ceasefire talks mediated by Egypt and Qatar remain stalled as both sides stand firm on conflicting proposals for a permanent truce and hostage exchanges.


















































