Hamas releases US hostage raising hopes of Gaza ceasefire
The Palestinian militant group has said it released Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage in Gaza. It called the release part of ceasefire efforts, following rare direct talks with US officials in Doha.
The Palestinian militant group has said it released Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage in Gaza. It called the release part of ceasefire efforts, following rare direct talks with US officials in Doha.
Hamas announced on Monday that it had released Edan Alexander, believed to be the last living US hostage in Gaza, as it strives to restart ceasefire talks.
The Palestinian militant group, listed as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the US, announced on Sunday that it had held rare direct talks with US representatives in Doha.
— an American-Israeli soldier who was abducted from his military base in southern Israel during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, cross-border attack that set off the war in Gaza — had been held hostage in the Gaza Strip for more than 19 months before being turned over to representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Monday according to a Hamas statement.
The group said it had taken the step as a goodwill gesture toward the Trump administration in hopes that it might lay the groundwork for a new ceasefire with Israel.
An Israeli official confirmed that Alexander’s transfer was underway, without providing details.
His release is the first since Israel broke an eight-week ceasefire with Hamas in March, unleashing fierce strikes on Gaza that have killed hundreds of Palestinians.
Israel nevertheless continues to escalate its offensive, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office saying he would not grant Hamas any concessions for Alexander’s release.
Alexander’s release comes as US President Donald Trump prepares to visit the region this week.
