Hamas’ Edan Alexander’s proof-of-life video recalls Hamas’ cruelty, White House says

A proof-of-life video released by Hamas of American-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander, 20, whom the terrorist group is holding hostage in Gaza, constitutes “cruel psychological warfare,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday evening .

Netanyahu told Alexander’s family on Saturday evening that “he feels the suffering that Edan, the hostages and their families are enduring,” and the prime minister “promised that Israel is determined to take all necessary measures to return home, along with all the hostages held by the enemy,” his office said.

Sean Savett, spokesman for the White House National Security Council, said the video, which lasts about three and a half minutes, “is a cruel reminder of Hamas’ terror against the citizens of several countries, including the OUR”.

“We have been in contact with Edan’s family. The war in Gaza would end tomorrow and the suffering of Gazans would end immediately – and would have ended months ago – if Hamas agreed to release the hostages,” he said. Savett said.

“He refused to do so, but as the president said last week, we have a crucial opportunity to reach a deal to free the hostages, stop the war and increase humanitarian aid to Gaza,” he said. -he writes.

“This agreement is now on the table. President Biden and the United States will continue to work around the clock to secure the release of our citizens, including through diplomatic efforts and increasing pressure on Hamas terrorists through sanctions, repressive actions and other measures,” he added. ” Savett added. (Biden did not issue a statement directly on the US-Israeli hostage propaganda video.)

Some publications published the video, which appears to show Alexander in distress and asking Netanyahu and US President-elect Donald Trump to negotiate his release. It also appears to show him crying and saying that anti-government protesters should take to Israeli streets.

Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) wrote that “the recent video of the hostage taking of American citizen Edan Alexander is a devastating reminder of Hamas’ brutality.”

“We must remember that on October 7, Hamas brutally killed or captured not only Israelis (Jews and Arabs), but also Americans and citizens of more than a dozen different countries,” the Jewish lawmaker added. .

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (Democrat) wrote that “Edan Alexander grew up in New Jersey and has been held hostage by Hamas for over a year.”

“I join the Alexander family in urging both the Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration to do everything possible to quickly facilitate a deal that will bring him home safely,” he added.

“While it is some relief to see proof of the life of Edan Alexander, a 20-year-old American citizen held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, this is terrorist propaganda, and his relatives should not not have to endure such psychological torture,” Jonathan wrote. Greenblatt, CEO and national director of the Anti-Defamation League.

Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, wrote that Trump “has a chance to make history.”

“During his first term, he excelled at repatriating hostages. Acting now could save lives and begin his second term with a monumental accomplishment,” Dubowitz said. “This may be the last opportunity to free the hostages. Time is running out.”

Joe Truzman, senior research analyst at FDD, wrote that “Hamas released footage of the hostage taking of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander, in which it calls on Israelis to pressure the government to agree to a ceasefire.”

“Hamas knows when to pull the levers to put pressure on the Israeli government,” Truzman wrote. “Now that there is progress in the ceasefire negotiations, Hamas propaganda has released these images. Unfortunately, there will likely be more.”