Hamas has announced the imminent release of Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American hostage held in Gaza since October 2023, in what the group described as a goodwill gesture intended to pave the way for a ceasefire agreement and the entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave.
Alexander, 21, believed to be the last living U.S. national held captive in Gaza, was taken hostage during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
He was serving in an elite Israeli infantry unit near the Gaza border when he was captured. His release comes after 583 days in captivity and amid mounting diplomatic pressure, including direct negotiations between Hamas and a senior U.S. official in Qatar.
The announcement arrives just ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East on Tuesday. The former president confirmed the release in a post on his Truth Social platform, calling it “monumental news” and “a step taken in good faith.”
Hamas stated the move is part of efforts to achieve a broader ceasefire deal and to allow the entry of food, medicine, and essential supplies into Gaza, which has been under a complete Israeli blockade for 70 days. In a joint statement, Egypt and Qatar welcomed the decision, describing it as an “encouraging step toward a return to the negotiating table.”
A senior Palestinian official told the BBC that a follow-up meeting between Hamas and mediators is set for Monday morning to finalize the release, which would involve a temporary halt to Israeli military operations, including aerial activity.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office acknowledged being informed of the planned release by the U.S. but clarified that it had not agreed to a ceasefire—only to a “safe corridor” for Alexander’s evacuation. The statement emphasized that military operations would continue and credited the release to ongoing pressure on Hamas.
Alexander’s family expressed profound relief in a statement: “We received the greatest gift imaginable—news that our beautiful son Edan is returning home.” They thanked President Trump and others involved in the negotiations and urged Israeli leaders not to relent until all hostages are released. “No hostage should be left behind.”
Of the 251 people abducted by Hamas in the October assault, 59 remain in captivity, with up to 24 believed to be alive. Five of those are U.S. citizens, and Alexander was thought to be the only one still living.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high. Israel has vowed to expand its military offensive if no broader agreement is reached by the end of Trump’s visit.
Israeli officials have proposed the indefinite seizure of Gaza territory, displacement of Palestinian civilians, and a controversial plan to distribute humanitarian aid via private contractors—drawing condemnation from the United Nations.
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, 52,829 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military campaign. Aid agencies have raised alarms about acute malnutrition, with food prices in Gaza soaring by 1,400% and 10,000 cases of malnutrition reported among children.
The war, now in its eighth month, began with the October 7 attacks that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to the kidnapping of over 250 individuals. As hopes rise for Alexander’s release, focus turns to the fate of the 58 remaining hostages and the possibility of an end to hostilities.