On May 12, 2025, Hamas announced the release of US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, a significant gesture amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. As US President Donald Trump prepares for a regional visit, this development raises hopes for de-escalation in the war-torn territory. Alongside this update, we delve into Palestinian culture with a traditional Maqluba recipe and reflect on the historical context of the 1948 Nakba.
Hostage Release Amid Ceasefire Talks
Hamas’s armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, confirmed the release of 21-year-old US-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, held in Gaza since October 2023. The announcement, made via Telegram by spokesman Abu Obeida, followed Hamas’s engagement in direct talks with Washington, mediated by Egypt and Qatar. A Hamas source told AFP that Israel agreed to pause military operations, including drone and warplane flights, at 9:30 AM to facilitate a safe handover corridor. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that this was not a ceasefire but a temporary measure to secure Alexander’s release, with fighting expected to intensify.
The release coincides with US President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, where he described the move as a “good faith gesture” on social media, expressing hope for an end to the conflict. Egypt and Qatar praised the development as an “encouraging step” toward renewed negotiations. Al Jazeera reported ongoing talks in Doha showing “progress” toward a broader deal.
Gaza’s Ongoing Crisis
The Gaza conflict, reignited after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, has caused immense loss. The attack killed 1,218 people, mostly civilians, while Israel’s retaliation has resulted in 52,862 deaths, including 2,749 since the campaign resumed on March 18, 2025, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Of the 251 hostages taken in 2023, 58 remain in Gaza, with 34 presumed dead. Israel’s blockade, cutting off all aid since March 2, has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with a recent airstrike on a school killing 10 displaced people, per Gaza’s civil defence agency.
Hamas seeks a permanent ceasefire and a technocratic administration for Gaza, while Israel plans a long-term military presence. A US-proposed aid plan, endorsed by Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, has faced criticism for sidelining the UN and UNRWA, which called its replacement “impossible.”
Historical Context: The 1948 Nakba
The Gaza conflict is rooted in decades of Palestinian displacement, most notably the 1948 Nakba, or “catastrophe.” During the establishment of Israel, over 700,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled their homes, many becoming refugees in Gaza and the West Bank. This event, commemorated annually on May 15, remains a cornerstone of Palestinian identity and informs the ongoing struggle for self-determination. The Nakba’s legacy underscores the humanitarian stakes in Gaza, where 2.3 million people face dire conditions.
Celebrating Palestinian Culture: Maqluba Recipe
Amid the conflict, Palestinian culture shines through its cuisine. Maqluba, meaning “upside-down,” is a beloved one-pot dish of rice, vegetables, and meat, symbolizing community and resilience. Here’s how to make it at home.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
- 1 lb (450g) chicken or lamb, cut into pieces
- 2 eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 potatoes, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted (optional)
Instructions
- Fry eggplant and potato slices in hot oil until golden, then drain on paper towels.
- In a large pot, brown the meat with onion, allspice, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
- Layer the pot: tomatoes at the bottom, followed by meat, cauliflower, potatoes, eggplant, and soaked rice. Pour broth over the layers.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45–50 minutes until rice is cooked.
- Let rest for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a large platter so the layers are upside-down.
- Garnish with pine nuts and serve with yogurt or salad.
Tip: Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent sticking. Pair with a cucumber-tomato salad for freshness.
Path Forward
Edan Alexander’s release marks a potential turning point, but challenges remain. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Israel called for a comprehensive deal to free all hostages, rallying at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square. With 58 hostages still in Gaza and escalating violence, mediators face pressure to secure a lasting ceasefire. The international community, including the UN, urges increased aid access to alleviate Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Stay updated at Planet-Today.com.
Author: Planet-Today.com
Via AFP