Edan Alexander’s release comes as Donald Trump prepares to travel to the Middle East for his first official overseas trip since returning to the White House
Hamas has said they will release the last living American hostage in Gaza within the next two days.
The group confirmed on Sunday that Edan Alexander will be released as part of efforts to establish a ceasefire, reopen crossings into the Israeli-blockaded territory and resume the delivery of aid.
US President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff said that Hamas had agreed to release Alexander as a good-will gesture toward Trump. The announcement 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, as desperation grows among hostages’ families and Gaza’s over two million people under the new Israeli blockade.
“This was a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators – Qatar and Egypt – to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones,” Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday.
“Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict. I look very much forward to that day of celebration!”
Alexander is an Israeli-American soldier who grew up in New Jersey. He was abducted from his base during the October 7 Hamas-led attack that ignited the latest conflict war in Gaza in 2023.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the US informed it of Hamas’ intent to release Alexander “without compensation or conditions” and that the step is expected to lead to negotiations on a truce.
Netanyahu’s government was angered by US direct talks with Hamas earlier this year – which led to a Hamas offer to release Alexander and the bodies of four other hostages if Israel recommitted to a stalled ceasefire deal.
Days later, however, Israel resumed the war.
Khalil al-Hayyah, a Hamas leader in Gaza, said the group has been in contact with the US administration over the past few days and that the group is ready to “immediately start intensive negotiations” to reach a final deal for a long-term truce.
Alexander’s parents did not immediately return requests for comment.
“Every time they say Edan’s name, it’s like they didn’t forget. They didn’t forget he’s American, and they’re working on it,” Edan’s mother, Yael Alexander, said earlier this year.
Hamas released a video of Alexander in November during the Thanksgiving weekend, his mother said. The video was difficult to watch as he cried and pleaded for help, but it was a relief to see the latest sign that he was alive, she said.
The latest conflict began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostage.
At the time of writing, Israel’s offensive has killed more than 52,800 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The offensive has destroyed vast areas of the territory and displaced some 90% of its population.
Fifty-nine hostages are still in Gaza, around a third of them believed to be alive.
Most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. The Hostages Families Forum, the grassroots forum representing most hostage families, said Alexander’s release “must mark the beginning of a comprehensive agreement” that will free everyone.
Trump, whose administration has voiced full support for Israel’s actions, is set to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates this week in a regional tour.
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