TEL AVIV, March 29, 2025 (BSS/TASS) - The radical Palestinian movement Hamas may release several hostages for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip timed to coincide with the Eid al-Fitr holiday, Israel's Kan radio reported, citing sources.

According to it, Hamas is ready to release several hostages, including an Israeli soldier who also holds US citizenship, Edan Alexander, in exchange for a ceasefire during the Eid al-Fitr holiday. The radicals need a ceasefire for a few days to quell protests that Palestinians staged this week against Hamas rule in the Gaza Strip, sources told Kan.

On March 18, the Israeli army resumed fighting in the Gaza Strip, launching massive attacks on the enclave and violating a ceasefire reached in January. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explained that the radical Palestinian movement Hamas refused to agree to the proposals put forward at the talks by mediators and US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, saying that the goal of the operation in the enclave was the release of all hostages. The radicals blamed Israel and the US for the resumption of hostilities.

After the end of the Ramadan fast, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr. It is the second most important holiday after Eid al-Adha.