Hamas announced early Monday that it will release Edan Alexander, the last known Israeli-American hostage held in Gaza, in the coming hours. A spokesperson for Hamas indicated that this release is part of efforts to establish a ceasefire and facilitate aid into the Gaza Strip. The announcement comes just before President Donald Trump is scheduled to travel to the Middle East, where he is expected to push for a pause in Israel’s ongoing military actions against Hamas.
The Israeli government, represented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, has clarified its commitment to ensuring only a safe passage for Alexander’s release, without conceding to broader ceasefire terms or the release of Palestinian detainees. The security cabinet of Israel has recently approved military operations intending to conquer Gaza, which is home to over 2 million Palestinians.
Edan Alexander, 21, who grew up in New Jersey, was serving in the Israeli army when he was captured by Hamas during its attacks on October 7, 2023. Over the past months, tensions have escalated dramatically, with Hamas previously backing out of a planned release for Alexander due to military operations in the area.
Alexander’s family expressed profound relief upon hearing the news, and the U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, confirmed that negotiations, which were lengthy and complex, were successfully concluded. This release is viewed as a significant diplomatic moment, and Trump expressed hope that it could be a step towards ending the conflict. Mediation efforts by Qatar and Egypt were acknowledged as instrumental in facilitating the release and may lead to further developments coinciding with Trump’s trip to the region.
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