May 13, 2025 — The Palestinian group Hamas announced on Monday its willingness to enter immediate negotiations aimed at securing a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, marking a potential shift in the ongoing conflict with Israel. The announcement coincided with the release of Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American who was the last known living U.S. citizen held captive in Gaza.
Hamas outlined its objectives for the proposed talks, which include a permanent halt to hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, lifting the blockade, facilitating a prisoner exchange, and initiating reconstruction efforts in the war-torn region. The group’s military wing, responsible for Alexander’s release, indicated that discussions with representatives of the incoming U.S. administration under President-elect Donald Trump played a role in the decision to free the hostage.
In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attributed Alexander’s release to Israel’s sustained military operations in Gaza and diplomatic efforts involving Trump. Netanyahu, who spoke with the U.S. president-elect on Monday, emphasized that Israel remains committed to its strategic goals in the region. He reiterated that no ceasefire is under consideration, signaling plans to escalate military actions in Gaza despite Hamas’s overture.
The release of Alexander and Hamas’s call for negotiations come at a time of heightened international attention on the Gaza conflict, with growing calls for a resolution to the humanitarian crisis in the region. The differing positions of Hamas and the Israeli government underscore the challenges in achieving a lasting peace agreement.
As the situation develops, observers are watching closely to see whether diplomatic channels, potentially bolstered by U.S. involvement, can bridge the gap between the two sides or if the conflict will intensify further.
