Hamas Releases American Hostage… Gesture of Reconciliation to the U.S.

Korea Economic Daily

Summary

Hamas announced the release of dual citizen Ethan Alexander, suggesting that negotiations with the U.S. will begin in earnest.
Hamas explained that this release is part of efforts to resume the ceasefire with Israel and the entry of relief supplies into the Gaza Strip.
It was reported that the dialogue between Hamas and the U.S. is virtually the first since Hamas was designated as a terrorist organization in 1997.

It has been reported that the Palestinian militant group Hamas has moved to release American hostages after contacting the United States. Hamas announced that it would release the last American hostage it was holding, suggesting that negotiations between the U.S. and Hamas have begun in earnest.

According to AFP on the 11th (local time), Hamas stated in a statement, "We plan to release Ethan Alexander (21), who holds dual citizenship with the U.S. and Israel, soon." Hamas explained that this move is "part of efforts to resume the ceasefire with Israel and the entry of relief supplies into the Gaza Strip." Alexander was one of the hostages kidnapped during Hamas's surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and is known to be the only American hostage confirmed to be alive.

This dialogue between Hamas and the U.S. is virtually the first since the U.S. designated Hamas as a terrorist organization in 1997. According to AFP, an anonymous senior Hamas official said, "There has been some progress in negotiations with the U.S. side in Doha, Qatar."

Some interpret Hamas's move as a 'gesture of goodwill' ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East tour starting on the 13th. Hamas also stated in an additional statement, "We are willing to initiate intensive negotiations to end the war."

Reporter Lee So-hyun y2eonlee@hankyung.com