Hamas Says It Will Release A US-Israeli Hostage And 4 Bodies, But Israel Expresses Immediate Doubt

GAZA CITY, GAZA – FEBRUARY 02: Palestinians continue to return back to their homes after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, amid destruction in Gaza City, Gaza on February 02, 2025. Palestinians in Gaza, which has suffered massive destruction in Israeli attacks with almost no intact buildings remaining, are struggling to survive amid the rubble. In its attacks on Gaza, Israeli attacks targeted and destroyed not only homes but also UN facilities sheltering civilians, schools, hospitals, mosques, churches, and many historical sites. (Photo by Ali Jadallah/Anadolu via Getty Images)

JERUSALEM (AP) — Hamas says it has accepted a proposal from mediators to release one living American-Israeli hostage and the bodies of four dual nationals who had died in captivity. The militant group didn’t immediately specify Friday when the release of soldier Edan Alexander and the four bodies would occur or what it expected to receive in return. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office immediately cast doubt on the offer. The office accused Hamas of using manipulation to sabotage the ongoing talks in Qatar on the next stage of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Its first phase ended two weeks ago.