Hamas claims it’s ready to release US-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander & 4 bodies for increased prisoner release

Hamas announced on Friday that it is willing to agree to a deal that would see it release U.S.-Israeli IDF soldier Edan Alexander and four bodies of killed hostages, all with dual citizenships.

In a first reaction just hours before the start of the Jewish Sabbath, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office (PMO) indirectly rejected the ostensible offer.

The statement affirmed that Israel had accepted the latest proposal by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, while Hamas insisted on its demands and continued with psychological warfare."

Hamas stated that its delegation “received a proposal yesterday from the mediator brothers to resume negotiations. The movement dealt with it responsibly and positively, and delivered its response to it at dawn today.”

“The movement affirms its full readiness to begin negotiations and reach a comprehensive agreement on the issues of the second phase, calling for the occupation [Israel] to be compelled to fully implement its commitments.”

The PMO in response said, "While Israel has accepted the Witkoff outline, Hamas remains steadfast in its refusal and has not budged a millimeter. At the same time, it continues to engage in manipulation and psychological warfare."

"The Prime Minister will convene the ministerial team on Saturday night to receive a detailed report from the negotiating team, and to decide on the next steps for the release of the hostages."

Israel has so far insisted on not giving preferential treatment to dual citizens.

In addition, a source involved in the negotiations told i24 News that the “Witkoff proposal” that had been discussed in recent days had envisioned the release of five living hostages, as well as several bodies.

Furthermore, Israel had demanded an increase to eight living hostages who would be released.

“In summary: Hamas says ‘yes’ to Boehler’s proposal, while in fact, the Witkoff proposal is currently on the table,” commented i24 diplomatic reporter Amichai Stein.

After causing consternation in Israel with several recent statements, Adam Boehler, who had conducted direct talks with Hamas, was pulled off the hostage file, according to reports on Thursday.

Hamas meanwhile claimed that new criteria had been agreed for Alexander’s release, including an increase of Palestinian prisoners set to be freed by Israel.

According to Channel 12, the Alexander family and the families of the other four killed hostages have not been informed of any changes or advances in the talks.

Hamas released a video showing 20-year-old Israeli-American Edan Alexander last November.

Edan was born in Tel Aviv but grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey. He chose to return to Israel after graduating high school, enlisting as a lone soldier in the IDF. He was abducted from the Kissufim military post on the morning of Oct. 7. 

The Alexander family lives in New Jersey. Edan’s mother Yael visited with him just days before his capture by Hamas terrorists.