Hamas announced on Tuesday that it had “lost contact” with the captors of Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American hostage in Gaza, following an Israeli military strike. This incident raises concerns as the hostage’s release becomes a focal point in recent negotiations for a renewed ceasefire, which Israel has proposed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited northern Gaza on the same day, where his office confirmed that the military offensive, which resumed on March 18, continues—effectively ending a two-month-long ceasefire. Speaking to Israeli troops during his visit, Netanyahu emphasized that Hamas would endure “blow after blow” as Israel presses its military campaign.
In a statement on Telegram, Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas’s military wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, confirmed the loss of contact, revealing that Israeli forces had fired a direct strike on the location of the group holding Alexander. “We are still trying to reach them at this moment,” Obeida stated, indicating the uncertainty surrounding the hostage situation.
The Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades subsequently released a stark video addressed to the families of remaining hostages. The footage warned that their loved ones could return in coffins if Israeli bombardments continued. Accompanied by images of masked militants, the chilling message proclaimed: “Be prepared. Soon, your children will return in black coffins with their bodies torn apart by shrapnel from your army’s missiles.”
In a video released on Saturday, Alexander was seen alive, where he criticized the Israeli government for failing to secure his release. However, he appeared under duress, often gesturing as he made comments regarding the government led by Netanyahu. The timing of this video remains unclear.
Alexander was serving in an elite infantry unit along the Gaza border when he was abducted during Hamas’s attack in October 2023. Born in Tel Aviv and raised in New Jersey, he had relocated to Israel after high school to join the army.
On Monday, Hamas asserted it had received a new truce offer from Israel. This proposal suggested the release of 10 hostages, starting with Alexander, as part of a 45-day ceasefire agreement. A Hamas official indicated that the proposal was conveyed by Egyptian officials and outlined Alexander’s release as a “gesture of goodwill” on the first day of the ceasefire. The group is expected to respond within 48 hours.
However, during these negotiations, Israel reportedly demanded that Palestinian militants disarm as a condition for a ceasefire, a requirement that Hamas officials have labeled a “red line.”
From the outset of Hamas’s October offensive, 251 hostages had been taken, and reports indicate that 58 remain in captivity, with 34 believed to be deceased according to the Israeli military.
Amid ongoing military operations, Netanyahu reassured his troops that “they are striking the enemy” and reiterated the government’s insistence on the release of hostages and achieving military objectives.
In a related diplomatic effort, French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Netanyahu on Tuesday, advocating for a ceasefire that could facilitate the release of remaining hostages. Macron urged for immediate human aid to be delivered into Gaza, which has faced severe humanitarian crises exacerbated by a total blockade of aid since March 2.
The United Nations has warned of a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, declaring it likely the worst condition seen in the past 18 months. Macron’s recent suggestion of recognizing a Palestinian state at a UN conference had previously drawn ire from Israeli officials, with Netanyahu labeling such recognition as a “huge reward for terrorism.”
