Hamas said Sunday it will release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, who has been held for over 550 days, as part of an effort to reach a ceasefire deal and resume humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.
The big picture: Alexander’s release is also thought to be a gesture by Hamas to President Trump as he visits the Middle East later this week, sources said.
- White House envoy Steve Witkoff spoke to Alexander’s parents and notified them of Hamas’ plans, the source said. Witkoff is expected to travel to Israel on Monday ahead of his release.
- Alexander is the only living American citizen among the 59 hostages being held by Hamas. Only 21 of those hostages are known to still be alive, and the condition of three others isn’t clear.
- Four of the dead hostages are American citizens: Itay Chen, Gadi Haggai, Judi Haggai and Omer Nuetra.
The latest: A U.S. Official said Trump’s Special Envoy for Hostage Response Adam Boehler is traveling to Israel with Alexander’s parents to retrieve their son from Hamas’ captivity.
- They’re expected to arrive in Israel on Tuesday. “This hostage release was made possible by the strength of President Trump” and the work of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Witkoff, the official said.
The Israeli prime minister’s office said American officials had informed Israel of Hamas’ intention to release Alexander as a gesture to the U.S., without any conditions or anything in return.
- The U.S. told Israel that this move is expected to lead to negotiations for the release of the other hostages under the original Witkoff proposal — which Israel has already accepted.
- Israel is preparing for the possibility that this move will materialize. Per Israeli policy, there will be no ceasefire while negotiations take place and Israel Israel remains committed to defeating Hamas.
Catch up quick: Alexander is now 21 but was 19 when he was captured by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023.
- He grew up in New Jersey and volunteered to join the Israel Defense Forces out of high school and was reportedly serving near the Gaza border during the attack.
- The Israeli-American was last seen in a Hamas propaganda video released in April, according to the American Jewish Committee.
What they’re saying: Trump welcomed on Truth Social called Hamas’ decision to release Alexander “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’s statement referred to Hamas’ demand that any deal will be comprehensive and will lead to the release of all hostages in return for ending the war in Gaza. Israel has refused that and demanded a partial deal that only includes a temporary ceaeefire.
- “Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict,” Trump wrote.
Hamas said in a statement it’s “ready to immediately begin intensive negotiations and invest serious efforts to reach a final agreement to end the war, reach an agreed-upon exchange of prisoners and a solution for governance in the Gaza Strip by independent professional individuals.”
- Qatar and Egypt in a joint statement that said Hamas’ decision was an encouraging step to bring the parties “back to the negotiating table for a ceasefire in Gaza Strip, the release of hostages and detainees, and guaranteeing the safe and unhindered flow of aid to address the tragic conditions in the Strip.”
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