The first US hostages in Gaza could be released by Hamas soon, White House says

Nov 26, 2023 ·

Hamas militants in Gaza are reportedly close to releasing an American hostage they have held in captivity for three years. The release of the hostage, who has not been publicly identified, is part of a larger prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel.

The potential prisoner exchange was initiated by Egyptian mediators, who are aiming to build on the recent ceasefire that ended 11 days of fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas militants.

If successful, the exchange could be the first step towards a long-term peace agreement between Israel and Hamas. It would also mark a significant victory for Hamas, which has long sought the release of prisoners from Israeli jails.

The American hostage's case has been a source of tension between the United States and the militant group. In 2019, the hostage's family released a video plea, asking Hamas to release him. At the time, the Trump administration said it was working to secure his release.

In addition to the American hostage, Hamas is reportedly seeking the release of several hundred Palestinians held in Israeli jails. According to reports, Israel is considering releasing some of them in exchange for the American hostage. However, negotiations are still ongoing and no final agreement has yet been reached.

If an agreement is finalized, it could open the door to further dialogue between Israel and Hamas, and possibly pave the way for a longer-term peace agreement. For now, however, the fate of the American hostage remains uncertain as talks continue.