Gaza: Hamas has agreed to release Israeli-American captive Idan Alexander, along with the bodies of four dual-national hostages, as part of efforts to move forward with the Gaza ceasefire negotiations.
The announcement was made on March 14, 2025, regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza and surrounding areas, including the West Bank.
Hamas conditioned the release of the hostages on Israel entering the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued their military attacks, killing at least two children in Gaza City and Beit Lahiya. The blockade on humanitarian aid entering Gaza has now lasted 13 days, exacerbating the crisis.
Israeli settler attacks in the West Bank have intensified, with Hamas accusing Israeli settlers of carrying out assaults with full support from the Israeli government and military. The group has called for increased resistance in East Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank. Netanyahu is assessing public sentiment on whether to continue the war or focus on bringing all hostages home, amid declining public confidence in his leadership.
The Israel-Gaza war, which began in October 2023, has resulted in thousands of casualties and mass displacement. Negotiations for a ceasefire have been ongoing, with Hamas using hostages as leverage to secure Israel’s agreement. However, the Israeli military’s continuous operations in Gaza, coupled with an aid blockade, have deepened the humanitarian crisis, causing growing unrest domestically and internationally.
[SOURCE: AL-JAZEERA]
