Hamas Publishes Proof of Life Video, Then Claims Israeli Strike Killed the Captors
Executive Summary
Hamas released a propaganda video showing Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander alive on April 12, but just three days later claimed it had lost contact with the group holding him after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. The al-Qassam Brigades suggested that Israel may have deliberately targeted the site to eliminate pressure over dual-national hostages. Israel has denied striking known hostage locations and maintains that it carefully plans operations to avoid endangering captives. Alexander is believed to be the last living American-Israeli hostage held by Hamas.
Analysis
The release of the Edan Alexander video by Hamas on April 12 marked the first visual proof of life of the Israeli-American soldier since his capture on October 7, 2023, during Hamas’s unprecedented incursion into Israeli territory. In the footage, Alexander criticized Israeli leadership for failing to secure his release, which analysts interpreted as psychological warfare aimed at both Israeli citizens and the U.S. government. Just days later, Hamas’s military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, claimed it had lost contact with the unit guarding Alexander due to an Israeli airstrike.
Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for the group, accused Israel of trying to kill its own hostage to reduce political pressure over dual citizens held in Gaza. Israel has categorically denied such intentions, reiterating that its military operations are planned to minimize harm to hostages. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) insists it avoids striking known locations where captives may be held.
The timing of the announcement raises questions about Hamas’s credibility, as it had recently floated the possibility of releasing Alexander in exchange for progress on a permanent ceasefire deal. Since the collapse of a truce on March 1, after 42 days of fragile calm, both sides have resumed hostilities. Hamas’s latest statement complicates efforts to negotiate future exchanges and further underscores the dangers faced by hostages still believed to be alive in Gaza.
Israel has previously accused Hamas of exploiting hostages for political leverage and propaganda purposes. This incident may be part of a broader attempt by Hamas to deflect blame for the deteriorating conditions of captives and to rally support amid mounting military pressure. The group’s narrative also aims to delegitimize Israel’s military campaign by framing it as a deliberate effort to “relieve” hostage-related burdens.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration has not commented publicly on the situation with Alexander, though officials have consistently demanded the release of all remaining hostages. Should Alexander be confirmed dead, it could intensify U.S. scrutiny of the war and increase calls for renewed diplomatic engagement to secure the remaining captives.
