Egypt and Qatar welcomed the announcement by Hamas of its release of American hostage Edan Alexander, who had been held by the Palestinian Islamist movement. In a statement, Egypt's foreign ministry described the move as a goodwill gesture and an encouraging step toward resuming negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the release of prisoners and detainees, and the secure, unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to address the dire conditions in the territory. The two countries reaffirmed the urgent need to end the war on Gaza to avoid further humanitarian fallout and to advance with genuine political will towards achieving a comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace in the region. Egypt and Qatar also reiterated their ongoing and coordinated mediation efforts in Gaza, in collaboration with the United States, aimed at alleviating civilian suffering and creating conditions for a lasting de-escalation that would ultimately bring an end to the war and the humanitarian catastrophe it has caused. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
