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.
Global airline growth faces major hurdles from rising trade barriers and ongoing plane delivery delays amid record passenger numbers.
Asia’s manufacturing sector shrank in May as weak demand from China and rising U.S. tariffs hit exports and clouded the region’s economic outlook.
Germany’s economy may see growth in 2026, but only if the new coalition’s massive investment plan is effectively implemented, experts say.
Romania is looking to deepen its energy partnership with Azerbaijan, including potential future negotiations on gas supplies, as part of a broader push to enhance regional energy security through infrastructure projects and cooperation, a senior Romanian official said ahead of Baku Energy Week.
Australia is considering a formal dispute at the World Trade Organization over President Donald Trump's plan to double steel and aluminum tariffs, as Canberra warns of economic harm and prepares for upcoming talks.
Global airline growth faces major hurdles from rising trade barriers and ongoing plane delivery delays amid record passenger numbers.
Karol Nawrocki, a conservative historian and eurosceptic, has won Poland's presidency with 50.89% of the vote, promoting a nationalist platform, military aid to Ukraine, and a strongman image that resonated with right-wing voters.
Asia’s manufacturing sector shrank in May as weak demand from China and rising U.S. tariffs hit exports and clouded the region’s economic outlook.
The Philippines and the European Union have agreed to launch a security and defense dialogue aimed at addressing emerging challenges such as cyber threats and foreign interference, Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo announced on Monday.
Germany’s economy may see growth in 2026, but only if the new coalition’s massive investment plan is effectively implemented, experts say.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
Taxi drivers across France are protesting government plans to cut payments for driving patients to medical appointments. These cuts are part of a broader effort by Prime Minister François Bayrou to save €40 billion in the 2026 budget and reduce the country’s large deficit.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has positioned Italy as a key gateway for EU engagement with Central Asia, securing over €7 billion in deals during a high-level tour of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan aimed at reinforcing energy, trade, and diplomatic ties.
Since taking office in January, Trump's sweeping tariff decisions, ranging from steel to smartphones have shaken markets, sparked global tensions, and triggered legal battles, with major duties hitting China, the EU, and even U.S. allies.
The UK will boost its fleet of nuclear-powered submarines and push defence readiness in response to evolving global threats and shifting U.S. security commitments under President Trump.
Karol Nawrocki, a conservative historian and eurosceptic, has won Poland's presidency with 50.89% of the vote, promoting a nationalist platform, military aid to Ukraine, and a strongman image that resonated with right-wing voters.
The Philippines and the European Union have agreed to launch a security and defense dialogue aimed at addressing emerging challenges such as cyber threats and foreign interference, Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo announced on Monday.
Global airline growth faces major hurdles from rising trade barriers and ongoing plane delivery delays amid record passenger numbers.
Karol Nawrocki, a conservative historian and eurosceptic, has won Poland's presidency with 50.89% of the vote, promoting a nationalist platform, military aid to Ukraine, and a strongman image that resonated with right-wing voters.
Asia’s manufacturing sector shrank in May as weak demand from China and rising U.S. tariffs hit exports and clouded the region’s economic outlook.
The Philippines and the European Union have agreed to launch a security and defense dialogue aimed at addressing emerging challenges such as cyber threats and foreign interference, Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo announced on Monday.
Germany’s economy may see growth in 2026, but only if the new coalition’s massive investment plan is effectively implemented, experts say.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment