In a significant development, Hamas has released Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American hostage who was held captive for 19 months. This release occurs amid ongoing efforts to establish a new ceasefire agreement, according to statements from the militant group. Edan, aged 21, was serving in the Israeli army near the Gaza border when he was captured by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023.
On Monday, the Israeli military temporarily paused its operations in Gaza for several hours to facilitate the transfer of Mr. Alexander. A senior official from Hamas informed the BBC that the release was intended as a goodwill gesture, coinciding with the visit of US President Donald Trump to the Middle East on Tuesday. Edan Alexander is believed to be the last living US citizen held captive by Hamas, making his release particularly significant.
Following the announcement of his release, President Trump expressed his congratulations to Edan's family. In a heartfelt statement, Alexander’s family thanked the president while also urging the Israeli government and negotiators to prioritize the release of the remaining 58 hostages still held by Hamas. This moment marks the first time Hamas has released a hostage since Israel resumed its military offensive on March 18, following a two-month ceasefire.
After his release, Edan Alexander was seen accompanied by masked Hamas fighters as they handed him over to Red Cross workers in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza. He was subsequently transferred to Israeli authorities before being reunited with his family in southern Israel. The Israeli military confirmed that it had established a safe corridor for Mr. Alexander’s release.
A touching video shared on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's X account captured the emotional moment as Yael Alexander spoke to her son over the phone. “You are strong. You are protected. You are home,” she reassured him. Netanyahu described Edan’s return as a “very moving moment” and thanked President Trump for his involvement in the negotiations.
Netanyahu highlighted that the release was facilitated through military pressure on Hamas, coupled with the political influence exerted by President Trump. He also emphasized that Israel plans to continue its military operations in Gaza, dismissing the notion of a ceasefire at this time. Hamas, on the other hand, indicated that Edan Alexander’s release was aimed at paving the way for humanitarian aid to enter the enclave, which has been under blockade for 70 days.
Israeli authorities have faced criticism for blocking the entry of essential supplies, including food and medication, into Gaza. Aid agencies have condemned this blockade, describing it as a policy of starvation that could potentially be classified as a war crime. Following the resumption of military operations in mid-March, tensions remain high, with Hamas insisting that any agreement must include an end to the ongoing conflict, a condition that has been consistently rejected by Netanyahu.
As President Trump prepares for his visit to the Middle East on Tuesday, Israeli officials have stated that if no agreement is reached during his trip, they will expand their military offensive against Hamas. Plans reportedly include the indefinite seizure of Gaza, the forced displacement of Palestinians, and the controversial takeover of aid distribution, which has faced opposition from the UN and various humanitarian organizations.
On Thursday, Israeli representatives are scheduled to meet with officials in Qatar to discuss a proposal regarding further hostage releases. Both Qatar and Egypt have indicated that Edan Alexander's release could serve as a hopeful sign for new truce discussions.
