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
Bad Bunny uses Grammy win to deliver anti-ICE message week before Super Bowl performance

Bad Bunny’s Grammy Triumph Amplifies Anti-ICE Message Ahead of Super Bowl Spotlight

He emphasized the importance of recognizing our shared humanity and urged viewers…
Jacksonville's overnight warming center to open Monday through Friday during cold front

Stay Warm: Discover First Coast Warming Centers Open Amid Record Cold Snap

In Jacksonville, the Legends Center will remain open overnight through Monday, February…
Shooting in Georgia hotel room leaves 1 officer killed, another seriously wounded: 'Unprovoked attack'

Tragic Georgia Hotel Shooting: Unprovoked Attack Claims Officer’s Life, Injures Another

Tragedy struck in Georgia on Sunday when a man opened fire on…
Russia kills 12 Ukrainian miners in deadly bus attack hours after peace talks postponed

Tragic Bus Attack Claims Lives of 12 Ukrainian Miners Amid Delayed Peace Talks

A Russian drone assault struck a bus transporting miners in the Dnipropetrovsk…
Toddler fatally struck by pickup truck driver in Long Island driveway

Tragic Discovery: Man and Dog Found Deceased Inside Queens Mobile Vet Van, Another Man Unconscious Nearby

In a tragic discovery on Sunday morning, authorities found a man and…
What Tyler Robinson's defense wants hidden and why prosecutors and media say no in court

Battle in Court: Tyler Robinson’s Defense Seeks Secrecy as Prosecutors and Media Demand Transparency

Prosecutors in Utah are joining forces with a diverse group of media…
Deputy AG denies 5-year-old, father has asylum claim after family released from ICE detention

Deputy Attorney General Rejects Asylum Claim for Father and 5-Year-Old Following Release from ICE Detention

The Deputy Attorney General, Todd Blanche, announced on Sunday that the five-year-old…
Hikers stiff hotel on unpaid bill after treacherous 7-hour mountain rescue operation, nonprofit says

Hikers Skip Out on Hotel Bill After Challenging 7-Hour Mountain Rescue, Reports Nonprofit

Two adventurers found themselves in a tight spot after getting lost on…
NAU death: NAU student dies; Delta Tau Delta fraternity's Riley Cass, Ryan Creech, Carter Eslick charged in alleged hazing death

Tragedy at NAU: Delta Tau Delta Fraternity Members Charged in Student’s Fatal Hazing Incident

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (WLS) — Authorities have charged three fraternity leaders with hazing…
Rosé, Bruno Mars and Sabrina Carpenter open 2026 Grammy Awards with electric performances

Rosé, Bruno Mars, and Sabrina Carpenter Electrify 2026 Grammy Awards with Show-Stopping Opening Performances

The 68th annual Grammy Awards kicked off with a bang as Rosé…
Top Kremlin official praises Trump’s push for peace in Ukraine as talks set to resume

Kremlin Official Commends Trump’s Efforts for Peaceful Ukraine Resolution Amid Renewed Negotiations

A senior figure from the Kremlin has lauded President Donald Trump for…
Savannah Guthrie's mother reported missing from Arizona home, authorities say

Urgent Search Underway: Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Missing from Arizona Residence

Authorities are currently unsure whether foul play is involved in her disappearance,…