“Hostages Will Return in Coffins…” Hamas Blames Israel for “Losing Contact” With US Hostage in Gaza

The armed wing of Hamas claimed to have lost contact with a group of militants holding Israeli American hostage Edan Alexander. Al-Qassam Brigades said on April 14 that the contact was lost after the IDF* attacked the place where the militants were holding Alexander. Hamas also warned Israeli hostages’ families that their “children will return in black coffins with their bodies torn apart from shrapnel from your army”The 21-year-old New Jersey native is believed to be the last living American hostage held by Hamas in Gaza. In March, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff told reporters that gaining the release of Alexander was a “top priority for us”Earlier, on April 12, Hamas released a video purportedly showing Alexander, who was captured by Palestinian militants on October 7, 2023.Meanwhile, a group representing Israeli hostage families said Alexander was among up to 10 hostages who could be released if a new ceasefire was reached. n18oc_world n18oc_crux0:00 INTRODUCTION2:02 IDF CHIEF WARNS RESERVISTS AGAINST “POLITICAL DISPUTES”4:37 US TO ARM ISRAEL WITH ‘HUNDREDS OF 900-KG BOMBS’6:08 HAMAS REJECTS “COMPLETE SURRENDER”