Amid ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, Hamas confirmed the imminent release of US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, marking a potential turning point in hostilities.
Hamas to Release US-Israeli Hostage Amid Ceasefire Negotiations
Hamas to Release US-Israeli Hostage Amid Ceasefire Negotiations
Hamas announces the release of Edan Alexander to facilitate a ceasefire and humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
Hamas has declared its intention to release Edan Alexander, a dual US-Israeli national, as part of efforts to facilitate a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. This announcement coincides with President Donald Trump’s planned visit to the Middle East on Tuesday. Alexander is reportedly the last surviving captive of US nationality among hostages taken during the October 7 attacks by Hamas, which resulted in the death of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the capture of over 250 individuals.
According to Hamas, the release of Alexander is intended to promote negotiations for the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, which has been subjected to an Israeli blockade for 70 days. A senior official from Hamas confirmed ongoing direct talks with a US administration official in Qatar. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office, however, stated it has not agreed to any ceasefire but has committed to establishing a “safe corridor” for Alexander’s release, achieved under military pressure from Israel.
Negotiations are said to involve a temporary halt to Israeli military actions during Alexander's release, with another meeting scheduled between Hamas and US mediators. President Trump hailed the release as “monumental news” and “a step taken in good faith.” Alexander, a 21-year-old who was raised in New Jersey and served in an elite infantry unit, has been held captive for 583 days. His family expressed profound relief and gratitude for his impending return.
Additionally, Egypt and Qatar issued a statement indicating that Hamas's decision to free Alexander was a promising step toward resuming negotiations aimed at a wider ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian supplies, which have been severely restricted over the past weeks. While Hamas aims for an end to the ongoing war, Israeli officials emphasized that their negotiations would continue under military action, despite rising discontent within the Trump administration regarding Prime Minister Netanyahu’s approach.
Israel has warned it will escalate its military campaign if negotiations fail, while humanitarian conditions in Gaza worsen. Reports from the UN indicate a critical rise in acute malnutrition among children amid skyrocketing food prices. The ongoing conflict has led to significant casualties on both sides, further complicating the path to lasting peace.
According to Hamas, the release of Alexander is intended to promote negotiations for the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, which has been subjected to an Israeli blockade for 70 days. A senior official from Hamas confirmed ongoing direct talks with a US administration official in Qatar. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office, however, stated it has not agreed to any ceasefire but has committed to establishing a “safe corridor” for Alexander’s release, achieved under military pressure from Israel.
Negotiations are said to involve a temporary halt to Israeli military actions during Alexander's release, with another meeting scheduled between Hamas and US mediators. President Trump hailed the release as “monumental news” and “a step taken in good faith.” Alexander, a 21-year-old who was raised in New Jersey and served in an elite infantry unit, has been held captive for 583 days. His family expressed profound relief and gratitude for his impending return.
Additionally, Egypt and Qatar issued a statement indicating that Hamas's decision to free Alexander was a promising step toward resuming negotiations aimed at a wider ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian supplies, which have been severely restricted over the past weeks. While Hamas aims for an end to the ongoing war, Israeli officials emphasized that their negotiations would continue under military action, despite rising discontent within the Trump administration regarding Prime Minister Netanyahu’s approach.
Israel has warned it will escalate its military campaign if negotiations fail, while humanitarian conditions in Gaza worsen. Reports from the UN indicate a critical rise in acute malnutrition among children amid skyrocketing food prices. The ongoing conflict has led to significant casualties on both sides, further complicating the path to lasting peace.
