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Hamas released Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander on Monday as a goodwill gesture to Donald Trump ahead of the US president’s trip to the Gulf this week. The Israeli military confirmed that Alexander had returned to Israel after being handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, Gaza.
Alexander, a 21-year-old serving in the Israeli military, was captured by Hamas during a cross-border assault from Gaza on October 7, 2023, which sparked a war. This marks the first hostage release since a previous ceasefire-for-hostage deal ended in March. The Israeli military ceased most offensive operations in Gaza on Monday to facilitate the handover.
Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya stated that the release of Alexander demonstrates the group’s commitment to seeking a long-term ceasefire with Israel and ending the conflict in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the release was secured without any conditions, such as a ceasefire or the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
Alexander is believed to be the last living American national held captive in Gaza, along with 58 other hostages. Trump, who is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, expressed gratitude for the efforts made to secure Alexander’s release and hopes for the return of all living hostages and remains to their loved ones.
Alexander’s family members, US officials, and international mediators from the US, Qatar, and Egypt were present at the Israel Defense Forces base where he was reunited with his family. Plans are in place for his medical care and further tests at a hospital.
Netanyahu thanked Trump for his role in securing Alexander’s release and announced the dispatch of an Israeli negotiating team to Doha for talks on a potential ceasefire. The Israeli leader reiterated his stance that any deal would only be a temporary truce to secure the return of more hostages.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 52,000 casualties, with Israeli officials reporting 1,200 deaths during the October 7 attack and 250 hostages taken. Relatives of the remaining hostages pleaded with Trump to continue his efforts in securing their freedom, emphasizing the importance of bringing every last hostage home.
The situation remains tense as negotiations for a ceasefire continue, with hopes for a lasting resolution and a halt to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Netanyahu remains steadfast in his determination to defeat Hamas and secure the release of all hostages, signaling a challenging road ahead for peace efforts in the region.
