Wed Apr 16 22:39:21 UTC 2025: ## Hostage Release Key to Ending Gaza Conflict, Says US Envoy
**Washington, DC** – The ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza will cease immediately upon the release of all remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas, according to Adam Boehler, the US Special Envoy for Hostage Response. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Boehler stated unequivocally that “the fighting would end immediately” if the hostages were released. He emphasized that this is a precondition set by President Trump, declaring, “nothing goes forward until all hostages are released.”
Boehler’s comments come as the death toll in Gaza surpasses 51,000, with over 1,652 Palestinians killed since the resumption of Israeli attacks following a failed ceasefire in March. Despite the devastating humanitarian crisis, with over 500,000 Palestinians newly displaced, according to the UN, Boehler placed the onus on Hamas. He stated that Hamas “can end this” by releasing the hostages, and that any further negotiations would only begin after this initial step. He provided no details about the subsequent stages of a potential agreement beyond a vague reference to President Trump’s previously mentioned proposal to relocate Palestinians.
Hamas, however, maintains that the release of hostages is contingent upon a broader agreement to end the fighting, including a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza – a demand Israel has rejected. Previous attempts at a phased agreement, including the release of 33 hostages in exchange for humanitarian aid, ultimately collapsed.
While Israel claims 24 living captives and 35 bodies remain in Gaza, Hamas recently claimed to have lost contact with Israeli-American captive Edan Alexander following an Israeli strike. Boehler dismissed this claim, asserting that Alexander is safe and that harming him would be a grave mistake.
The ongoing conflict underscores the deep stalemate, with both sides presenting seemingly irreconcilable demands. The US, however, remains firm in its position that the immediate release of all hostages is the critical first step towards any resolution.
First Piper 