DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — On Sunday, Hamas announced that Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage in Gaza, is set to be released as part of efforts aimed at establishing a ceasefire, reopening crossings into the Israeli-blockaded territory, and resuming humanitarian aid deliveries. Two Hamas officials communicated with The Associated Press, indicating that they anticipate Alexander's release within the next 48 hours.
Steve Witkoff, an envoy for U.S. President Donald Trump, confirmed late Sunday that Hamas has agreed to release Alexander as a goodwill gesture towards the Trump administration. This announcement marks the first hostage release since Israel resumed military operations following the breakdown of a ceasefire in March. The development comes just ahead of Trump's planned visit to the Middle East later this week, emphasizing the urgency among families of hostages and the humanitarian crisis faced by the over two million residents of Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict.
Trump, through his social media platform Truth Social, expressed hope that this hostage release could signify a significant step toward ending the brutal war. He stated, “This was a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators — Qatar and Egypt — to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones.”
Edan Alexander, who is a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier born in New Jersey, was abducted from his military base during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which initiated the current conflict in Gaza.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the U.S. informed them of Hamas's intentions regarding Alexander's release “without compensation or conditions.” This gesture is seen as a potential starting point for negotiations aimed at a truce. Netanyahu’s government has previously expressed anger over U.S. engagement with Hamas, particularly earlier talks that led to a conditional offer for Alexander's release in exchange for a recommitment to a stalled ceasefire deal, which ultimately failed.
Witkoff elaborated that Hamas's primary objective in releasing Alexander is to restart discussions concerning a ceasefire, the release of additional hostages, and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. Khalil al-Hayyah, a Hamas leader, indicated that the group is open to engaging in “intensive negotiations” for a long-term truce that would also involve the exchange of Palestinian prisoners and the establishment of a technocratic governing body in Gaza.
According to sources, indirect talks between Hamas and U.S. representatives commenced five days ago, and the anticipated release of Alexander is viewed as a goodwill gesture. A senior Hamas official noted that the release is expected to occur on Monday and might involve a temporary pause in hostilities from Israel.
The negotiations have included assurances from the Trump administration that the release of Alexander would pave the way for broader discussions that could potentially end the war. Alexander’s parents have not yet responded to media inquiries following the announcements.
Previous reports indicate that Witkoff has consistently mentioned Alexander during discussions, reflecting ongoing efforts to secure his release. Edan's mother, Yael Alexander, expressed relief at having seen a video of her son earlier this year, in which he appeared distressed but alive.
The conflict erupted after a Hamas-led attack that resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis, primarily civilians, and the abduction of 251 individuals. In retaliation, the ongoing Israeli military operations have claimed the lives of over 52,800 Palestinians—mostly women and children—according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The humanitarian crisis in the region has deepened significantly, exacerbated by an Israeli blockade that has restricted the flow of essential supplies into Gaza for over ten weeks.
While the situation continues to develop, it remains essential to monitor further negotiations regarding hostages and ceasefire efforts, as well as the critical humanitarian needs of the population in Gaza.
In a separate context, Israel reported that it has recovered the remains of a soldier, Sgt. 1st Class Tzvi Feldman, missing since a 1982 battle in Lebanon. The military stated that his remains were located deep within Syrian territory, with recovery facilitated by new intelligence following the recent political shifts in Syria.
