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.