Hamas may release several hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, according to Israeli radio station Kan, citing sources.
According to Kan’s sources, Hamas is willing to free some hostages, including Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, who holds U.S. citizenship, in return for a temporary halt in fighting.
The radical Palestinian group reportedly needs a multi-day ceasefire to ease recent Palestinian protests against Hamas’ rule in Gaza.
Meanwhile, on March 18, the Israeli military resumed its offensive in Gaza, launching massive airstrikes and breaking a ceasefire that had been reached in January. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that the offensive aims to free all hostages after Hamas rejected proposals from mediators and U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff.
Hamas, on the other hand, has blamed Israel and the U.S. for the resumption of hostilities.
After the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Fitr, one of the most significant Islamic holidays after Eid al-Adha.
