Hamas to Release American Captive as Trump Urges End to “Israeli” Brutal War

By Staff, Agencies

Hamas announced plans to release "Israeli"-American captive Idan Alexander as part of ongoing ceasefire efforts, drawing a rare rebuke from US envoy Steve Witkoff against "Israeli" prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The resistance group said Sunday that recent negotiations with the US administration have been positive and are being facilitated by Qatari, Egyptian, and Turkish mediators.

Alexander, who served in an elite "Israeli" infantry unit near the Gaza border, is believed to be the last living American captive in Gaza.

His release is intended to support broader goals, including a ceasefire, the reopening of border crossings, and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Hamas expressed readiness for immediate, intensive talks to achieve a final ceasefire, a mutual captive exchange, and the formation of an independent professional authority to govern Gaza.

The Palestinian resistance group said such measures would promote long-term stability, reconstruction, and the lifting of the "Israeli" blockade.

Hamas praised the roles of Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey in the mediation efforts.

"Israel" currently estimates 59 captives remain in Gaza, with 21 believed to be alive.

Meanwhile, over 9,900 Palestinians are held in "Israeli" prisons, where rights groups have reported torture, starvation, and medical neglect.

In parallel, Trump welcomed Hamas' move on Truth Social, calling the release “a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators — Qatar and Egypt — to put an end to this very brutal war.”

Trump noted that Hamas is pushing for a comprehensive deal for the release of all captives in exchange for ending the war, while "Israel" favors a partial agreement tied to a temporary ceasefire.

“Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict,” Trump wrote.

According to Channel 12, US envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff accused "Israel" of extending the war unnecessarily during a meeting with families of "Israeli" captives.

“We want to bring the hostages [captives] home, but 'Israel' is not prepared to end the war,” Witkoff said.

He criticized Netanyahu's approach, saying the "Israeli" entity is “prolonging the war, even though we do not see where further progress can be made.”

Witkoff emphasized that a “window of opportunity” exists for mediators and called for immediate action.

His comments preceded Trump’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE; "Israel" is not on the itinerary.

US and "Israeli" media have reported rising friction between Trump and Netanyahu, with Washington signaling a willingness to act independently in the region.