A hostage returns as Israel plans to escalate the war

人质归来之际,以色列计划升级战争

Post Reports

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2025-05-13

17 分钟
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Following direct talks between the U.S. and Hamas officials, Edan Alexander was freed Monday after more than 19 months in captivity in Gaza. He is the last living U.S. hostage in Gaza.  The Israel-Hamas conflict has already exacted a devastating toll. More than 52,000 people in Gaza have died, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Fifty-eight people who were seized by Hamas remain in Gaza, 23 of whom are believed to be alive. Gazans are facing a critical famine risk as Israel blocks aid. Now, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government says it plans to expand the war if Hamas does not meet Israel's demands.  Today on “Post Reports,” Elahe Izadi speaks with Middle East reporter Miriam Berger about Israel’s plans to escalate the war in Gaza.  Today’s show was produced by Peter Bresnan with help from Elana Gordon. It was mixed by Sean Carter and edited by Ariel Plotnick with help from Reena Flores. Thanks to Alan Sipress, Erin Cunningham and Heidi Levine.  Subscribe to The Washington Post here.
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  • Idan Alexander is coming home.

  • This is a crowd in Tel Aviv today chanting his name.

  • They were celebrating after Alexander, the last remaining U.S. hostage in Gaza,

  • was released by Hamas and was on his way back to his family.

  • Alexander was taken on October 7, 2023.

  • The U.S. negotiated with Hamas for his release, bypassing Israeli officials.

  • Alexander's grandmother, Varda Ben-Baruch,

  • spoke with The Post about what it means to have her grandson back after his 19 months in captivity.

  • She referred to her grandson's name, Idan, which means era in Hebrew.

  • And she said, I think my grandson, Idan,

  • will bring a new era to the world and that peace will arrive.

  • That is what I wish for.

  • She's not alone.

  • A lot of people are viewing the U.S.-Hamas talks that led to this as a signal of movement toward a possible ceasefire.

  • There's a lot on the line.

  • This conflict has already exacted a devastating toll.

  • More than 52,000 people in Gaza have died.

  • That's according to the Gaza Health Ministry. 58 people seized by Hamas remain in Gaza,

  • 23 of whom are believed to be alive.

  • And Israel has unveiled plans to expand the war even more.