Hamas to release hostage as part of direct Gaza talks with US

"Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, a dual US national, will be released as part of efforts towards a ceasefire" and the reopening of aid crossings, the Palestinian militant group said in a statement. The family of 21-year-old Alexander said they had been informed that he might be released "in the coming days". Earlier, two Hamas officials told AFP that talks were ongoing in the Qatari capital of Doha with the United States and reported "progress" had been made. Israeli strikes meanwhile continued...