Quotes
We are working with mediators for the agreement to succeed and to compel the occupation to conclude all phases of the agreement,
Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua, the Hamas spokesperson, told Reuters
Hamas' approval to release Edan Alexander aims to push towards the conclusion of the phases of the agreement,
said QanouaUnfortunately, Hamas has chosen to respond by publicly claiming flexibility, ... while privately making demands that are entirely impractical without a permanent ceasefire."
Witkoff said in the statement
We're acting like this is a normal exchange, this is a normal thing that happens. This is an outrage. So they should all be released,
Rubio told reporters after Group of Seven talks in Canada
We care about all the hostages."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, asked if the United States was prioritizing the release of the American hostage, said
Hamas is making a very bad bet that time is on its side. It is not,
a statement from the office of President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and the US National Security Council saidHamas was told in no uncertain terms that this 'bridge' would have to be implemented soon -- and that dual US-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander would have to be released immediately,
the statement saidI'm not going to comment on what we're going to accept and not accept, other than that all of us -- the whole world -- should continue to say that what Hamas has done is outrageous, it's ridiculous, it's sick, it's disgusting,
he saidHamas is well aware of the deadline, and should know that we will respond accordingly if that deadline passes,
it saidThe conditions are extremely difficult,
said Yousef Badreen, a Palestinian who left the southern West Bank city of Hebron at dawn to make it to Jerusalem
At the same time, it continues to use manipulation and psychological warfare - the reports about Hamas' willingness to release American hostages are intended to sabotage the negotiations,
read a letter from the government to hostage familiesWithout a comprehensive deal, we risk sealing the fate of all remaining hostages,
the Hostage Families Forum said in a statementMeetings are continuing with mediators in Doha. We adhere to what was agreed upon and to entering into the second phase,
Qassem said
While Israel accepted the Witkoff framework, Hamas remains firm in its refusal and has not budged a millimetre,
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said, accusing Hamas of resorting to "manipulation and psychological warfare".Our children are asking for meat to eat. They want to eat and they became thin,
said Abu Ahmed, in Deir el-Balah, central GazaThis is a legitimate right for us as a Druze community; to go to Syria to visit our families, and they come here to visit their families and visit the holy sites,
said Jawlan Abu Zed, a resident of the predominantly-Druze village of Majdal Shams, on the Israeli side of the border
When there is occupation and a continuing aggression weapons should be in the hands of men and everyone should repel this occupation.”
He called on authorities to convince the public about why weapons should only be held by the state, addingIt is written on our doors, welcome to our beloved ones.”
A group of Druze from the Israeli-controlled Golan heights welcomed the Syrian Druze at the crossing point, carrying Druze flags and chanting in ArabicIsrael has not implemented the humanitarian protocol of the Gaza agreement,
Qassem said
We do not want to return to war again, and if the occupation resumes its aggression, we have no choice but to defend our people,
the spokesman said