🔴 Key Incident
- Hamas’s armed wing (Qassam Brigades) announced it lost contact with the unit guarding Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier.
- Cause: “Direct Israeli bombardment” of the location where Alexander was allegedly held.
- Statement from Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Obeida suggests Israel may be intentionally targeting captives to eliminate the political leverage they represent.
“It seems that the occupation army is deliberately trying to kill him… in order to continue its genocide against our people.” – Abu Obeida
🎥 Recent Video and Threats
- On Saturday, Hamas released a video of Alexander alive, where he:
- Appeared distressed.
- Called on President Trump to help secure his release.
- Accused Israeli PM Netanyahu of spreading lies.
- Hours after the bombing, Hamas released a grim warning: “Your children will return in black coffins with their bodies torn apart from shrapnel from your army.”
🧭 Negotiation & Diplomatic Stakes
- Edan Alexander is believed to be the last living American hostage in Gaza.
- His case has been a top priority for the Trump administration, with envoy Steve Witkoff emphasizing its importance.
- Hamas previously hoped Alexander would serve as leverage to force Israel into a ceasefire deal.
“If it’s confirmed that Alexander has been killed, Hamas loses a key bargaining chip.” – Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud
⚔️ Israel’s Stance
- Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that the offensive would continue until all captives are released and Hamas is dismantled.
- During a Gaza visit, Netanyahu declared: “We insist that they release our hostages… we insist on achieving all of our war objectives.”
🤝 Ceasefire Proposal and Hamas Response
- Israel reportedly submitted a 45-day truce proposal to Egypt and Qatar.
- Proposal terms:
- Release of 11 captives.
- Hamas must disarm.
- Hamas: “Studying” the proposal but rejected the disarmament demand outright. “We will not lay down our arms.” – Sami Abu Zuhri, senior Hamas official
⚠️ Humanitarian Crisis
- UN warns the situation in Gaza is at its worst point in 18 months.
- Aid blockade continues: food, fuel, and medicine are largely cut off.
- Tuesday alone: At least 21 Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes.
- Death toll since October 2023: Over 51,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children (Gaza Health Ministry).
