Hamas is playing dangerous political games with the life of the last American hostage in Gaza, leaving President Trump’s negotiators fuming over the terrorist group’s shifting demands. After promising to release the last living American hostage, Hamas has reneged on its promise. And now Trump will be forced to take drastic measures.
At a glance:
• Hamas initially agreed to release Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage, but suddenly added new demands
• Trump administration officials called Hamas’s demands “entirely impractical” and accused them of psychological warfare
• Edan Alexander, a dual Israeli-US citizen, has been held captive for over 526 days since the October 7 attack
• Hamas is demanding prisoner releases, aid into Gaza, Israeli withdrawal from strategic areas, and ceasefire talks
• President Trump has set a deadline for Hamas to comply or face severe consequences
Hamas Backs Out of Hostage Deal
The Trump administration has been pushing for the release of Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage in Gaza, but negotiations hit a wall when Hamas suddenly changed their terms. Alexander, a dual Israeli-US citizen, was kidnapped during the October 7, 2023 terror attack and has now spent 526 days in captivity under what his family fears are brutal conditions.
Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s Special Envoy, expressed frustration over Hamas’s tactics in a strongly worded statement.
“Unfortunately, Hamas has chosen to respond by publicly claiming flexibility while privately making demands that are entirely impractical without a permanent ceasefire,” Witkoff said.
Hamas initially agreed to release Alexander along with the bodies of four slain dual-national captives in what appeared to be a diplomatic breakthrough. The terrorist group then added new conditions including the release of Palestinian prisoners, increased humanitarian aid, Israeli withdrawal from a strategic corridor, and full ceasefire negotiations.
"We were united after October 7, but now that unity is slipping away"
I had the privilege of joining CNN’s One World last night to discuss the complexities of Israel’s ceasefire deal with Hamas, the political tensions it has sparked, and the emotional toll it is taking on… pic.twitter.com/fF6DisyM1c
— Zvika Klein צביקה קליין (@ZvikaKlein) January 17, 2025
Trump Administration Sets Deadline
President Trump’s team has grown increasingly frustrated with Hamas’s negotiating tactics as the terrorist group continues to hold an American citizen. The administration has now set a firm deadline for Hamas to comply with the original agreement and warned of severe consequences if they fail to release Alexander.
“Hamas is making a very bad bet that time is on its side,” Witkoff warned in his statement. The Trump administration has proposed extending the ceasefire until mid-April, a proposal that Israel supports but Hamas has rejected.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office characterized Hamas’s actions as “psychological warfare” designed to manipulate the hostage families and international community. Netanyahu is planning to meet with Israeli officials returning from negotiations in Doha to determine the next steps in securing Alexander’s release.
Things feel hopeless, right? I have my moments too, but I think a lot about “The day after”.
I think a lot about how this could possibly end well and I find myself dreaming and fantasizing about us living happily ever after.
Care to entertain me for a second? Let’s dream… pic.twitter.com/UZ9KO3lZ53
— Hillel Fuld (@HilzFuld) October 28, 2024
Sadly, Netanyahu knows these tactics all too well.
Family Remains Hopeful Despite Torture Reports
Meanwhile in the United States, Alexander’s family continues to hold onto hope despite reports that the 23-year-old has endured severe interrogation and torture during his captivity. His father, Edi Alexander, has received limited information but remained cautiously optimistic, saying, “He seems to be OK.”
The release would also include the remains of four unidentified dual nationals who were killed during or after the October 7 attacks. Hamas’s sudden change in demands comes after Israeli strikes in Beit Lahiya reportedly killed nine people, which the terrorist group claimed violated ceasefire terms.
