Hamas to release last American hostage in Gaza
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DUBAI − Hamas said on Friday it agreed to release an American-Israeli dual national, believed to be the last living American hostage held in Gaza, after receiving a proposal from mediators to continue negotiations on the second phase of a ceasefire deal.

Hamas said in a statement that it responded "positively" to the proposal that was presented on Thursday to resume negotiations. It will also release the bodies of four other dual nationality hostages, it said without giving further details.

There was no immediate comment from Israel.

Fighting in Gaza has been halted since January 19 under the first phase of the three-phase ceasefire accord. Hamas has exchanged 33 Israeli hostages and five Thais for some 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

The second phase involves talks over an agreement for the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from the enclave. Israel demands that the Palestinian militant group free the remaining hostages without beginning phase two negotiations.

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