Breaking News: Hamas Loses Contact with US-Israeli Hostage in Gaza – What This Means for Edan Alexander

Hamas has announced that it has "lost contact" with a group holding Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander. This news comes after an Israeli airstrike targeted their location in Gaza. Alexander, 21, has been featured in videos released by Hamas recently. Israel had requested his release within the first day of a new 45-day ceasefire proposal, which Hamas rejected.

Hamas did not clarify when communication was lost, and it has not provided evidence to support its claim. Israel asserts that it tries to avoid hitting sites where hostages are kept. Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida stated that they are still trying to establish contact with the group holding Alexander.

Currently, 59 hostages are believed to be held in Gaza, with only 24 thought to be alive. Among them are five presumed U.S. citizens, and Alexander is the only one confirmed alive. In a video released by Hamas, it warned that the remaining hostages would be sent back in coffins if Israel continues its attacks.

On Saturday, Alexander appeared in a video appealing to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former President Trump for help in securing his release. He was part of a ceasefire proposal that called for the initial release of half the hostages during the first week of the deal, with his release intended as a "gesture of goodwill."

A previous ceasefire earlier this year saw Hamas free 33 hostages in exchange for 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. However, after negotiations for a second phase fell apart, Israel renewed its military offensive on March 18.

Edan Alexander was born in Tel Aviv but grew up in New Jersey. He was serving in an elite infantry unit along the Gaza border when he was captured on October 7. His father, Adi Alexander, expressed concerns about the government’s approach to rescuing hostages during an interview, questioning how Israel plans to free hostages without ending the conflict.

Hamas has stated it is open to returning captives in exchange for a complete halt to hostilities and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. They refused Israel’s proposal for a renewed ceasefire, which required Hamas to disarm without clear commitments from Israel to end the violence.

Since Israel resumed its offensive, the toll has been devastating. Reports indicate that at least 1,630 people have died recently, raising the total number of casualties in the ongoing conflict to around 51,000, based on figures from the Hamas-run health ministry. This war began with the Hamas attacks on October 7, which caused considerable loss of life and resulted in numerous hostages taken.

For further context on this unfolding situation, you can refer to the BBC’s detailed coverage.

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