Hamas has released a hostage, identified as Alexander, in what it described as a goodwill gesture toward U.S. President Donald Trump. The confirmation came late Sunday from Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff in a message to the Associated Press.
Hamas has announced plans to release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, who has been held captive for over 550 days, in a gesture aimed at President Trump. The move is part of a broader effort by Hamas to initiate a ceasefire and reopen serious negotiations to end the ongoing conflict. The group expressed its willingness to engage in talks to secure a final resolution, including a prisoner exchange and the establishment of governance in Gaza by neutral professional figures.
Alexander, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen and Israel Defense Forces soldier, was captured by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. His release would mark a significant development in the broader negotiations between Hamas and the United States, which aim to establish a ceasefire and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a closed meeting with Israel's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, expressed optimism about Alexander's potential release, suggesting it could occur during Trump's visit.
Hamas has indicated that the final details of the agreement are being finalized.
While Hamas has previously claimed to have lost contact with the group holding Alexander following Israeli airstrikes, recent statements suggest that his release is imminent.
The release of Edan Alexander is seen as a potential catalyst for broader ceasefire agreements and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, where the humanitarian situation has been deteriorating due to ongoing conflict and blockades. International actors continue to urge both sides to reach a lasting resolution to the conflict.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed late Sunday in a message to AP that Hamas had agreed to release Alexander as a good will gesture toward Trump.
The announcement of the first hostage release since Israel shattered a ceasefire in March comes shortly before Trump visits the Middle East this week. It highlighted the willingness of Israel’s closest ally to inject momentum into ceasefire talks for the 19-month war as desperation grows among hostages’ families and Gaza’s over 2 million people under the new Israeli blockade.
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The United States' military strike on three Iranian nuclear facilities Sunday triggered sharply divided reactions from the international community, with Israel lauding the move as a historic decision while Iran, the United Nations, and numerous other nations condemned the attack.
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