Hamas said it will only release an American-Israeli and the bodies of four other hostages if Israel implements their ceasefire agreement, calling it an “exceptional deal” aimed at getting the truce back on track. A senior Hamas official said long-delayed talks over the ceasefire’s second phase would need to begin on the day of the release and last no longer than 50 days. It said, Israel would also need to stop barring the entry of humanitarian aid and withdraw from a strategic corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt.      

Edan Alexander, 21, who grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey, was abducted from his military base during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war, and is the last living American citizen held in Gaza. Hamas still has a total of 59 hostages, 35 of whom are believed to be dead.

Israel has cast doubt on Hamas’ offer. Meanwhile, two Israeli airstrikes in the northern town of Beit Lahiya near the border in Gaza Strip killed at least eight people, including a local reporter who was operating a drone. The Indonesian Hospital confirmed receiving the bodies.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. However, there has been no major fighting since the ceasefire took hold on January 19, but Israeli strikes have killed dozens of Palestinians who the military said had entered unauthorised areas, engaged in militant activities or otherwise violated the truce.