Edan Alexander's release offers ‘window of opportunity’ for wider hostage deal amid Trump Middle East visit
Share this @internewscast.com

American and Israeli officials consider the release of Edan Alexander, 21, as a “window of opportunity” for the liberation of the remaining 58 hostages still held by Hamas, 585 days after their capture on October 7, 2023.

Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and hostage envoy Adam Boehler are scheduled to travel from Israel to Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday to progress negotiations focused on releasing both the 24 hostages believed to be alive and the bodies of at least 34 individuals held by the terrorist group, including four Americans: Itay Chen, Omer Neutra, and Gadi Haggai, as well as Judi Weinstein Haggai.

In a meeting lasting nearly two hours with Witkoff, Boehler, and the Hostages Families Forum, the officials reiterated their commitment to bringing back all hostages and confirmed their readiness to go to Doha only because they see a genuine opportunity to move negotiations forward.

Edan Alexander speaks with loved ones following his release.

Edan Alexander, center, speaks with loved ones following his release. (IDF)

Israel said last week that Trump’s visit to the Middle East would be “the window of opportunity” to secure a ceasefire otherwise it would continue with its newly announced plans to capture all of Gaza, despite immense international pushback and concerns over human rights abuses and violations of U.N.-established borders. 

The comments came after Netanyahu prompted immense outcry after he said his number one priority was destroying Hamas, not returning the hostages, despite opposition to the plan by the majority of Israelis. 

On Monday, Netanyahu reiterated his intent to “destroy” Hamas while speaking with injured reservists and confirmed that even if Hamas agrees to return the hostages, Israel will continue with its military operations. 

People hold posters of hostages during a rally to mark the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 terror attacks on Israel, on Oct. 6, 2024 in New York City.

People hold posters of hostages during a rally to mark the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 terror attacks on Israel, on Oct. 6, 2024 in New York City. (Noam Galai/Getty Images)

“In the coming days, we are going in with full force to complete the operation. Completing the operation means defeating Hamas. It means destroying Hamas,” he said. 

“It’s possible that Hamas will say, ‘Time out — we want to release ten more [hostages].’ Fine, bring them. We’ll take them, and then we’ll go in. But there will not be a situation in which we stop the war. There may be a temporary ceasefire, but we’re going all the way,” he confirmed.

Witkoff’s team did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s questions. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Pope Leo XIV is back on social media, with a message of peace

Pope Leo XIV Returns to Social Media to Share a Peaceful Message

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has assumed control of the Vatican’s…
Tragic video captures man dangling from fiery hot air balloon before plummeting to his death after saving 2 passengers

Heart-Wrenching Video Shows Heroic Man’s Final Act of Bravery as He Saves Two Passengers from Hot Air Balloon Catastrophe

NEW: Man falls from the basket of a hot air balloon after…
Preservationists seek landmark designation for St. Mary of the Assumption Chicago, Pope Leo XIV's boyhood Catholic church

Preservationists Aim for Landmark Status for St. Mary of the Assumption Chicago, Childhood Church of Pope Leo XIV

CHICAGO (WLS) — The last Mass at St. Mary of the Assumption…
A pregnant Cuban emigre worries about her baby's citizenship as Supreme Court weighs a Trump order

Pregnant Cuban Immigrant Concerned About Baby’s Citizenship Amid Supreme Court Review of Trump Policy

WASHINGTON (AP) — Barbara, a Cuban immigrant who is 30 weeks into…
ICE cracks down on DC-area businesses, nearly 200 illegal immigrants arrested

ICE Targets DC-Area Businesses, Arrests Close to 200 Undocumented Immigrants

Federal immigration officials apprehended nearly 200 undocumented immigrants last week during a…
Microsoft to lay off about 3% of its workforce

Microsoft Announces Plans to Lay Off 3% of Its Workforce

Microsoft says it is laying off nearly 3% of its entire workforce.…
Border state law enforcement to shoot down 'weaponized' drug-smuggling drones

Law enforcement in border states authorized to neutralize drones being used for drug smuggling

A new law that permits Arizona law enforcement officers to shoot down…
2 killed, 1 critically injured in car crash at West Augusta Boulevard and North Central Avenue in South Austin: Chicago police

Teen Wounded in Shooting Near Mather High School on North California Avenue in Chicago’s Arcadia Terrace Neighborhood, Police Report

CHICAGO (WLS) — A teenager was shot near a North Side high…
Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. crushes home run in first rehab game

Ronald Acuna Jr. Hits Home Run in Braves’ First Rehab Game

Ronald Acuña Jr. gave Braves fans something to look forward to when…
College senior killed after 'accidentally' falling from tropical island hotel balcony days before graduation

College student dies after falling from hotel balcony on tropical island just before graduation

A college student is dead after a pre-graduation trip to the Bahamas…
Chef José Andrés serves up a taste of Mexico in Manhattan's Hudson Yards

Chef José Andrés Brings Mexican Flavors to Manhattan’s Hudson Yards

MIDTOWN, Manhattan — Oyamel is a Mexican restaurant located in Manhattan’s Hudson…
Kim Kardashian exudes glamour in fur-trimmed coat in Paris

Kim Kardashian Radiates Elegance in a Fur-Trimmed Coat While in Paris

Kim Kardashian knows how to look like money. The “Kardashians” reality star…