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, 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. (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.
