Hamas has freed American-Israeli captive Edan Alexander, announcing the release.
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HOST: Here's a heartwarming moment as a mother embraces her 21-year-old son who was freed from Hamas captivity in Gaza.
(SOUNDBITE OF RECORDING)
YAEL ALEXANDER: (Screaming, non-English language spoken)
HOST: Edan Alexander, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, was released yesterday following a direct deal between Hamas and the U.S. Now, the U.S. is keen on kickstarting negotiations to hopefully secure a ceasefire in Gaza. NPR's Daniel Estrin offers us the latest from Tel Aviv. Good morning, Daniel.
ESTrin: Morning to you, Host.
HOST: So, it's clear Edan Alexander was overjoyed upon his release. How's he doing now?
ESTrin: He appeared pale upon release, but he appears to be in good health. In photos shared by the Israeli government, he was greeted with hugs, smiles, and tears from his family. He was surprised by how much his little brother had grown during his time in captivity. He's undergoing tests in an Israeli hospital now. Born in New Jersey, Edan Alexander moved to Israel to enlist in the military and was captured from his base on October 7, 2023, during a Hamas attack. Israeli media reported some unsettling accounts of his experiences during the 18-plus months he spent in captivity.
Last night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Alexander on the phone. Preliminary plans aimed to have Alexander meet with President Trump in Qatar when he visits later this week, but his family confirmed that he will not be making that trip at this time. Upon Alexander's release, masked Hamas militants handed him to representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), who then escorted him to the Israeli military. Jake Kurtzer from the ICRC shared his thoughts on the moment.
KURTZER: Given the critical state of the situation, we must take advantage of every opportunity we can to try and find a better path forward.
HOST: So, given the released hostage's joyful reunion, what are the odds of this leading to a breakthrough and a ceasefire after nearly a year of volatile talks and the blockade of aid?
ESTrin: President Trump has expressed his desire for a ceasefire and access to food for Gaza, and he spoke to Prime Minister Netanyahu about it yesterday. Netanyahu has pledged to send negotiators to Qatar today for talks. Trump himself is heading to Qatar later this week to discuss potential business deals and expects results from the negotiations over Gaza. Israel emphasizes that any ceasefire talks should be based on a previous U.S. proposal, under which Hamas would first release half of the living hostages. Israel claims there are around 20 living hostages still trapped in Gaza. While there was a brief pause in airstrikes when Alexander was released, they have since resumed. A hospital strike killed at least two patients in Gaza as per health officials, with Israel stating it was targeting Hamas operatives within the hospital. However, Prime Minister Netanyahu is under pressure to secure a ceasefire due to President Trump's wishes, as Israel prepares to escalate its military actions in Gaza.
HOST: So, let's delve into the political angle of this, as it's interesting to see Trump appearing to diverge from Netanyahu's policies.
ESTrin: Indeed, it's unusual. The Trump administration has already negotiated a separate deal with Hamas, indicating that the U.S. is acting independently of Israel, marking a rift that's become increasingly public. This difference in policy can be seen in various matters, including the Iran nuclear negotiations, a truce with the Houthis in Yemen, and a deal with Saudi Arabia. Many Israelis are anxious about what could happen if a ceasefire isn't reached and President Trump moves on to other issues, which could leave Israel to pursue a lengthy offensive in Gaza.
HOST: Thank you, Daniel, for your insights.
ESTrin: You're most welcome. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
This transcript was created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. It may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary.
Enrichment Data Integration:
- The released hostage's emotional reunion offers hope for a truce, but it's unclear if this will ultimately lead to a lasting ceasefire.
- The U.S.'s continued involvement in negotiations may lead to further diplomatic efforts, potentially playing a significant role in resolving the conflict in Gaza.
- Humanitarian assistance to Gaza, if provided, could help alleviate the region's dire humanitarian crisis, potentially reducing tensions and promoting stability.
- The release of hostages often forms part of larger political agreements in the Israeli-Palestinian context but may not guarantee lasting peace without progress on core issues.
- The U.S., in its attempts to kickstart negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, navigates a complex landscape that involves both governmental politics and war-and-conflicts.
- Given the unfolding events and Biden administration's interest in general news surrounding the Middle East, the politics of the situation are likely to evolve as diplomatic efforts continue.
