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.
The third stage of the Tour de France will be closed to spectators on Monday (6 July) after a fast-moving wildfire in southwestern France prompted exc...
Thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran on Sunday as Iran held funeral prayers for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and four members of his family on the secon...
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc claimed victory in a dramatic British Grand Prix after a late Safety Car and mechanical problems for rivals reshaped the rac...
Regional economic cooperation took centre stage in Baku as the 28th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Black Sea Trade and Development Ba...
Humanoid robots stumbled, collided and recovered as they battled for the RoboCup 2026 football title on Sunday (5 July), showcasing the latest advance...
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has praised the conduct of Algeria's parliamentary elections, describing the vote as a step forward for democracy in the North African nation.
Armenia's Constitutional Court on Saturday dismissed legal challenges from opposition parties seeking to annul last month's parliamentary election results, paving the way for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to continue in office.
President Donald Trump said Iran is keen to reach a deal with the United States, claiming Washington had paused engagement to allow funeral ceremonies for late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Kyrgyzstan’s ex-second in command, Kamchybek Tashiev, has been convicted of plotting to overthrow the country’s President Sadyr Japarov. Tashiev and Japarov had ruled the Central Asian nation in tandem since 2020, until the former was unexpectedly ousted in February.
Russia's Defence Ministry has said its forces are clearing the town of Lyman in Donetsk of Ukrainian forces, Moscow's state news agency Tass reported. Meanwhile, Russian attacks killed at least six people across three Ukrainian regions on Friday, regional officials said.
President Donald Trump said Iran is keen to reach a deal with the United States, claiming Washington had paused engagement to allow funeral ceremonies for late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Governments are tightening restrictions on teenagers’ use of social media amid growing concerns over mental health, online safety and platform design, but questions remain over enforcement and whether bans can meaningfully change behaviour.
Thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran on Sunday as Iran held funeral prayers for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and four members of his family on the second day of mass processions. Three of Khamenei's sons attended the ceremony, while his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, made no public appearance.
Scotland produced a polished seven-try performance to defeat Argentina 47-38 in a high-scoring Nations Championship opener on Saturday.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc claimed victory in a dramatic British Grand Prix after a late Safety Car and mechanical problems for rivals reshaped the race at Silverstone Circuit.
Juan Zapata was just finishing dinner in his fifth-floor apartment overlooking the Caribbean when the twin earthquakes struck Venezuela’s coast on the 24 June, hurling him across the room and into a collapse of concrete and steel.
U.S. President Donald Trump has offered to help find a solution to the war in Ukraine during a 90-minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to the Kremlin.
Wildfires are continuing to burn across southern Europe, forcing people from their homes, damaging property and stretching emergency services as high temperatures and dry conditions create ideal conditions for fast-moving fires.
For the first time in six years, Indian traders are crossing through the Lipulekh Pass in the Himalayas into Tibet to do business.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment