Hamas has announced that Edan Alexander , believed to be the last living American hostage held in Gaza, will soon be released in what is being described as a goodwill gesture. The move follows several days of communication between the militant group and the United States, with Hamas saying the talks had shown “high positivity.”
Alexander, 21, was captured during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. His family received the news of his expected release on Sunday, which also marked Mother's Day in the United States. They described it as “the greatest gift imaginable,” and thanked President Donald Trump, US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and the wider administration for their efforts.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed it had been informed by the US of Hamas’s intention to release Alexander “without compensation or conditions.” While the release was initially expected as early as Monday, sources close to the negotiations say it is more likely to occur on Tuesday.
The US Special Envoy for Hostage Response, Adam Boehler, is expected to travel with Alexander’s parents, Adi and Yael, to Israel ahead of the release. Boehler confirmed the administration had placed significant focus on Alexander’s case, with support from both Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Though details of the negotiations remain limited, Hamas has said the release is part of broader efforts to achieve a ceasefire and restart humanitarian aid into Gaza, which has been under a complete Israeli blockade since early March.
US President Donald Trump hailed the announcement of Edan Alexander’s impending release as “monumental news,” calling it a significant gesture of goodwill. In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the move as “a step taken in good faith toward the United States and the efforts of the mediators – Qatar and Egypt – to put an end to this very brutal war.” He praised the “team-led effort” that prioritised Alexander’s case, crediting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff for their focus. Trump added that the release should be seen by both Americans and Israelis as a crucial first step and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to securing the release of all remaining hostages.
Who is Edan Alexander?
Alexander, 21, was captured during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. His family received the news of his expected release on Sunday, which also marked Mother's Day in the United States. They described it as “the greatest gift imaginable,” and thanked President Donald Trump, US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and the wider administration for their efforts.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed it had been informed by the US of Hamas’s intention to release Alexander “without compensation or conditions.” While the release was initially expected as early as Monday, sources close to the negotiations say it is more likely to occur on Tuesday.
The US Special Envoy for Hostage Response, Adam Boehler, is expected to travel with Alexander’s parents, Adi and Yael, to Israel ahead of the release. Boehler confirmed the administration had placed significant focus on Alexander’s case, with support from both Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Though details of the negotiations remain limited, Hamas has said the release is part of broader efforts to achieve a ceasefire and restart humanitarian aid into Gaza, which has been under a complete Israeli blockade since early March.
US President Donald Trump hailed the announcement of Edan Alexander’s impending release as “monumental news,” calling it a significant gesture of goodwill. In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the move as “a step taken in good faith toward the United States and the efforts of the mediators – Qatar and Egypt – to put an end to this very brutal war.” He praised the “team-led effort” that prioritised Alexander’s case, crediting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff for their focus. Trump added that the release should be seen by both Americans and Israelis as a crucial first step and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to securing the release of all remaining hostages.
Who is Edan Alexander?
- Born in Tel Aviv and raised in New Jersey, Edan Alexander holds dual Israeli-American citizenship.
- He was serving in an elite infantry unit on the border with Gaza when captured by Hamas on 7 October 2023.
- Alexander is one of five US citizens believed to have been held hostage in Gaza; he is thought to be the last one still alive.
- His family has been vocal in advocating for his release, participating in media campaigns and speaking to officials.
- The Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed the news, urging the Israeli government to work towards a deal to bring all hostages home.
- Alexander is one of 59 hostages still in Gaza, although only 21 are currently believed to be alive, according to President Trump.
- The announcement of his release comes amid intensified pressure on both the US and Israeli governments to end the war and secure the return of hostages.
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