Egypt and Qatar are jointly facilitating a renewed round of negotiations between the United States and Hamas, aimed at achieving a broader ceasefire agreement in Gaza and securing the release of captives held by Hamas as announced on Monday 12 May. The latest development comes as the militant group announced on Sunday, 11 May, its intention to release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, held captive in Gaza for over 550 days. The move is viewed as both a humanitarian gesture and a political signal ahead of an anticipated visit to the region by U.S. President Donald Trump later this week. Israeli media report that the proposed deal includes the release of 10 Israeli hostages, following conditions agreed upon in prior negotiation rounds. In return, a 70-day halt in hostilities would be implemented, providing a window for both parties to negotiate a broader, long-term agreement. Diplomatic sources told international media that the release is expected to be executed without preconditions and could open the door to more extensive negotiations, including discussions around the release of other hostages and a temporary halt to military operations in the Gaza Strip. The United States has…
