Egypt, Qatar hail release of US-Israeli hostage as 'encouraging step'
In a joint statement on Sunday, Egypt and Qatar welcomed the announcement by Hamas concerning the release of US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander from Gaza. They described the move as a gesture of goodwill and an encouraging step towards a ceasefire, linking it to ongoing direct talks with the United States.
- Middle East
- AFP
- Published Date: 02:01 | 13 May 2025
Egypt and Qatar welcomed on Sunday an announcement by Hamas that it would release US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander from Gaza, as part of direct talks with the United States towards a ceasefire.
In a joint statement, the countries, who along with the US have mediated talks between Hamas and Israel, called it "a gesture of goodwill and an encouraging step toward a return to the negotiating table to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the release of prisoners and detainees, and ensure the safe and unhindered flow of aid to address the tragic conditions in the strip".