Hamas has announced that it will release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, believed to be the last living captive with US nationality in Gaza, as part of efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement. This development comes ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East on Tuesday. According to Hamas, Alexander’s release is intended to facilitate a deal for the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, which has been under an Israeli blockade for 70 days.
Background and Negotiations
Edan Alexander, 21, was captured by Hamas militants during the October 7 attack while serving in an elite infantry unit on the border with Gaza. His family expressed gratitude to President Trump, Steve Witkoff, and the US administration for their efforts in securing his release. “We urge the Israeli government and the negotiating teams: please don’t stop. We hope our son’s release begins negotiations for all 58 remaining hostages, ending this nightmare for them and their families. No hostage should be left behind,” the family said.
Reaction from Key Officials
President Trump confirmed Alexander’s release, calling it “monumental news” and “a step taken in good faith”. A senior Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations said Hamas’s announcement was intended as a goodwill gesture before Trump’s arrival. Egypt and Qatar released a joint statement, describing Hamas’s decision to free Alexander as an “encouraging step toward a return to the negotiating table”.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The Israeli blockade has led to a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with 10,000 cases of acute malnutrition among children identified since the beginning of the year. Food prices have increased by up to 1,400%, and the UN has warned that the situation could amount to a policy of starvation, potentially constituting a war crime. Israel’s military campaign has killed 52,829 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Ongoing Conflict and Future Prospects
Hamas has said it wants to reach a final agreement to end the war, while Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that preparations to intensify fighting were still continuing. Israeli officials have said they plan to expand their military offensive against Hamas if no deal is reached by the end of Trump’s visit, including seizing all of the territory indefinitely and forcibly displacing Palestinians to the south. The talks between Hamas and the US are taking place amid growing frustration in the Trump administration with Netanyahu’s position.