Hamas says ready to immediately engage in talks for lasting Gaza ceasefire

By Rania Abu Shamala

ISTANBUL (AA) – The Palestinian resistance group Hamas said Monday that it is ready to immediately engage in negotiations to reach a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

The group’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, released Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander on Monday evening after talks with the Trump administration.

“Hamas is ready to immediately begin negotiations to reach a comprehensive agreement for a sustainable ceasefire, the withdrawal of the occupation army, the end of the siege, the exchange of prisoners, and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip,” it said in a statement.

Alexander was the last known living US hostage held in Gaza.