Latest Developments
Israel Blasts Hamas ‘Manipulation’: Israel accused Hamas of engaging in “psychological warfare” on March 14 after the group reportedly deviated from ongoing hostage-release negotiations this week in Qatar. The Iran-backed terrorist organization issued a statement on Thursday offering to release American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, who is believed to be alive, along with the bodies of four other American dual citizens held captive in Gaza. An Israeli official described the alleged offer as “a manipulation intended to sabotage the negotiations.”
Hamas Not Budging on Witkoff Framework: In a statement on March 14, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said that while Israel had agreed to extend the first phase of the January 19 ceasefire in Gaza, as proposed by U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Hamas has not accepted the terms of the deal. Witkoff’s framework would see all 59 remaining Israeli hostages released by the Iran-backed terrorist organization — half on the first day of the extension and the other half once a permanent ceasefire is agreed upon.
Delegation Returns From Doha: An Israeli delegation returned home on March 14 after spending the week in Doha for hostage talks. The Israeli prime minister’s office said Netanyahu will “convene the ministerial team” over the weekend to discuss Israel’s next steps in negotiations.
FDD Expert Response
“Hamas continues to exploit the plight of the remaining hostages it abducted during its October 7 massacre, using their captivity as leverage in its strategic manipulations. Israel and the United States must coordinate closely to achieve two critical objectives: securing the swift release of as many hostages as possible and ensuring that neither nation falls victim to Hamas’s deliberate and deceptive tactics.” —Mark Dubowitz, CEO
“Hamas’s alleged agreement to release Edan Alexander and the remains of four hostages — all of whom are American citizens — a day after President Trump stated that ‘nobody’s expelling any Palestinians’ from Gaza is unlikely to be a coincidence. Since the war began, Hamas’s goal has been to ensure the survival of its rule in Gaza. By releasing a group of Americans, Hamas may be attempting to court favor with President Trump in hopes of softening his stance against the Islamist organization.” —Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal
“President Trump and his negotiating team have worked hard to bring hostages home, with considerable success in his first two months in office. It would be another huge accomplishment to bring home the remaining American hostages. However, Hamas will likely try every trick in the book to stay in the headlines and drag out negotiations, causing unimaginable pain and suffering to the families of the hostages. It is unclear if this is a serious proposal or another attempt by Hamas to stay at the top of the White House’s agenda and create daylight between Jerusalem and Washington.” — Enia Krivine, Senior Director of FDD’s Israel Program and National Security Network
FDD Background and Analysis
“‘Deadline for the Second Phase’: Citing Hostage Conditions, Witkoff Wants Timeframe,” FDD Flash Brief
“Can Hamas Ever Be Defeated?” by Seth J. Frantzman
“Qatari Advisor’s Comments on Gaza Ceasefire Highlight Gaps with U.S. and Israel,” FDD Flash Brief
“Turning ‘Humanitarian Aid Into a Budget For Terrorism’: Israel Suspends Aid Flow to Gaza After Hamas Rejects Ceasefire Extension,” FDD Flash Brief
Issues:
Gulf States Israel Israel at War Palestinian Politics