Hamas says it will release American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander as part of ceasefire efforts

Hamas says it will release American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander as part of ceasefire efforts

Hamas has said it will release Edan Alexander, an Israeli soldier who holds American citizenship.

The group announced on Sunday that the 21-year-old, who is believed to be the last living American hostage in Gaza, will be released as part of ongoing efforts to achieve a permanent ceasefire with Israel.

It did not give an exact date of when the release will happen. However, a source familiar with the matter told the news agency Reuters it is expected to happen on Tuesday.

The group said in a statement: “Hamas has been in contact with the US administration over the past few days.

“The movement has expressed a high degree of positivity, and the release of Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, a dual US citizen, will be part of the steps being taken to achieve a ceasefire, open the crossings, and allow aid and relief to reach our people in the Gaza Strip.”

It comes shortly before US President Donald Trump is set to visit the Middle East this week, although he is not planning to visit Israel.

The release of Mr Alexander has been referred to as a “top priority” by Steve Witkoff, Mr Trump’s special envoy, who has been heavily involved in peace talks between Israel and Hamas.

Mr Alexander, who is from the US state of New Jersey, was 19 when he was taken from his base on the border with Gaza in southern Israel during the Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023.

Sources

Hamas says it will release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander – Reuters

Hamas says it will release hostage Edan Alexander in agreement with U.S. – NBC News

Hamas, US announce deal to release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander held in Gaza – France24