Hamas to Free US-Israeli Hostage as Part of Ceasefire Negotiations in Gaza

Hamas has announced it will release Edan Alexander, a dual US-Israeli national and believed to be the last American citizen still alive in Gaza, in a move aimed at advancing ceasefire discussions.

The decision comes just ahead of President Donald Trump’s upcoming trip to the Middle East on Tuesday. According to Hamas, the gesture is also intended to support humanitarian access to Gaza, which has been under a strict Israeli blockade for 70 consecutive days.

A senior Hamas representative previously told the BBC that the group is engaged in direct discussions with a U.S. government official in Qatar.

While Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not committed to a formal ceasefire, his office confirmed that a “safe passage” has been agreed upon specifically for Alexander’s release.

Netanyahu’s office attributed the release to intensified military efforts against Hamas and emphasized that military operations would continue.

A high-ranking Palestinian official involved in negotiations told the BBC that Hamas’s decision was a goodwill gesture before President Trump’s arrival. Talks are reportedly scheduled for early Monday to finalize Alexander’s release, which would require a brief halt in Israeli military actions, including a pause in air operations.

President Trump confirmed the news on his Truth Social account, calling Alexander’s release “monumental” and “a meaningful act of good faith.”

Alexander, 21, was born in Tel Aviv and raised in New Jersey. He was serving with an elite Israeli unit near Gaza when he was taken captive during the October 7 attack carried out by Hamas.

Of the 251 people taken hostage during that attack, 59 are still believed to be in Gaza, with up to 24 potentially alive. Five hostages are thought to be U.S. citizens, with Alexander believed to be the last surviving one.

In a heartfelt statement, Alexander’s family said, “This is the greatest gift we could ever receive — the news that our beloved son Edan is coming home after 583 days in captivity.”

They expressed gratitude to President Trump, real estate developer Steve Witkoff, and the U.S. administration for their persistent efforts, while urging Israeli authorities not to stop until all hostages are freed. “Every hostage deserves to come home,” the family said.

Egypt and Qatar also issued a joint statement welcoming Hamas’s move, describing it as a “positive development toward resuming negotiations.”

Hamas said the release is part of broader efforts to achieve a ceasefire and secure the flow of essential aid — including food and medicine — into the besieged territory. The group also expressed interest in reaching a comprehensive deal to end the ongoing conflict.

An earlier statement from Netanyahu’s office confirmed it had received information from the U.S. about Hamas’s intention to release Alexander “as a gesture to the Americans.” The statement also indicated that this could pave the way for talks on additional hostage releases.

However, Israel reiterated that it would continue its military operations, maintaining that negotiations must occur under active combat until all war goals are met.

Hamas has consistently stated that any deal must include a complete end to the war — a condition Israel has repeatedly rejected.

The talks come amid increasing signs of frustration within the Trump administration over Netanyahu’s hardline stance. Domestically, Netanyahu faces mounting criticism, with many accusing him of using the war to delay political consequences.

Trump’s visit to the region coincides with Israel threatening to escalate military operations if an agreement isn’t reached during his stay.

Israeli officials have reportedly outlined plans for a large-scale offensive, which includes the indefinite occupation of Gaza territory, displacement of Palestinian populations to the south, and management of humanitarian aid via private contractors — a plan widely criticized by the UN and aid groups for potentially weaponizing assistance.

Israel has blocked humanitarian shipments into Gaza for over two months, a move that aid organizations argue constitutes starvation tactics and possibly war crimes. Renewed airstrikes and military campaigns since mid-March have resulted in 2,720 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health authorities.

The UN has reported around 10,000 cases of severe child malnutrition since the beginning of the year. Prices of food items have surged by as much as 1,400%, compounding the humanitarian crisis.

The current conflict traces back to Hamas’s October 7 assault on southern Israel, which left 1,200 dead and over 250 taken hostage. According to Hamas-run health authorities, Israel’s military response has killed more than 52,800 people in Gaza.

Source: BBC

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