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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Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 28 September 2026. These are the top stories making headlines in technology.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has arrived in Washington for talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on bilateral ties and key regional and international developments, Saudi state news agency SPA reported.
U.S. President Donald Trump has denied reports that he offered Iran sanctions relief and access to frozen funds in exchange for nuclear concessions.
The European Union's decision to simultaneously advance accession talks with Ukraine, Moldova, Montenegro and Albania marks its most ambitious enlargement effort in more than two decades.
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Norway’s parliament on Wednesday began public hearings into ties between late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Norwegian diplomats and politicians, as authorities face questions over the impact of those relationships on the country’s foreign service.
New York prosecutors have reopened a criminal investigation into allegations that seven Cornell University fraternity members sexually assaulted a student in 2024. The case is set to be presented to a grand jury following renewed scrutiny.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has declared that Brexit has done more harm than good, while reaffirming support for Ukraine and NATO as he used his first Labour conference speech as leader to set out a new direction for Britain.
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