The terrorist group said in a press statement that it was responding to a proposal from mediators to resume negotiations, and agreed to “release the Zionist soldier Edan Alexander, who holds American citizenship, in addition to the bodies of four other dual nationals.”

Hamas said on Friday it was ready to free an Israeli-American hostage and the remains of four others, after the Palestinian militants and Israel resumed indirect Gaza ceasefire negotiations.

Mr Trump's statement comes just hours after the White House, in an unexpected move, confirmed it was holding direct talks with Hamas over the remaining hostages.