Hamas Says Edan Alexander, Last Living American Hostage in Gaza, Will Be Released as Part of Cease-Fire Efforts

In Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Hamas announced that Edan Alexander, the sole remaining American hostage in Gaza, will be freed as part of efforts to establish a cease-fire, reopen crossings into the Israeli-blockaded territory, and resume aid deliveries. The release date is unspecified in the statement made Sunday night, just before U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming Middle East visit. Trump, however, is not scheduled to visit Israel.

Alexander, an Israeli-American soldier abducted during a Hamas-led attack in Gaza on October 7, 2023, has roots in the United States. There has been no immediate response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office regarding the news. Netanyahu’s government expressed displeasure over U.S.-Hamas direct talks earlier this year.

Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayyah stated that the group has been in discussions with the U.S. administration recently. Al-Hayyah affirmed that Hamas is prepared to engage in intense negotiations for a lasting truce, involving the end of the conflict, exchange of Palestinian captives, release of hostages in Gaza, and transfer of power in Gaza to an independent body of technocrats.

Alexander’s parents have not yet provided comments. Trump and his envoy Steve Witkoff have mentioned Alexander, now 21, in recent months. Witkoff is expected to visit Israel soon.

Hamas shared a video of Alexander in November, during Thanksgiving, showing him in distress, which offered some relief to his mother, Yael Alexander. Alexander, a native of Tenafly, New Jersey, moved to Israel after high school and joined the military.

Continued bombardment in Gaza resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals, mostly women and children, according to local health authorities. The Israeli military asserts that it targets militants and tries to avoid civilian casualties, attributing such deaths to Hamas fighters located in densely populated areas. Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza for over 10 weeks, aiming to pressure Hamas to release hostages.

The U.N. and aid organizations warn of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with food and supplies running low, leading to widespread hunger. Trump’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates does not include Israel, as he has expressed full support for Israel’s actions.

The conflict began with Hamas-led militants attacking southern Israel, causing casualties and taking hostages. Israel’s offensive against Gaza has resulted in numerous Palestinian casualties, destruction, and displacements. Additionally, Israel announced the recovery of the remains of Sgt. 1st Class Tzvi Feldman, who went missing during a 1982 battle in southern Lebanon. Netanyahu visited Feldman’s siblings to inform them of the recovery, facilitated by recent developments in Syria.

Soldiers missing for decades hold significance in Israel, where military service is compulsory for most Jewish men.