Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American, was released by Hamas after being held captive for 19 months, amid efforts to broker a new ceasefire. His release comes as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza.
Edan Alexander: Israeli-American Hostage Freed by Hamas After 19 Months
Edan Alexander: Israeli-American Hostage Freed by Hamas After 19 Months
Hamas releases hostage to pursue ceasefire negotiations ahead of Trump’s Middle East visit.
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Hamas has announced the release of Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American hostage held for 19 months, as a part of ongoing attempts to secure a ceasefire ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East. The 21-year-old, who enlisted in the Israeli army, was seized by Hamas on October 7, 2023, during a confrontation at the Gaza border.
To facilitate Alexander's release, Israel momentarily halted military operations in Gaza, allowing the transfer process to proceed. A senior Hamas official mentioned that this act was a goodwill gesture amid attempts to negotiate further diplomatic solutions. It's reported that he is the last U.S. citizen believed to be alive in Hamas custody. In response, President Trump expressed his joy over Alexander's release and sent congratulations to his family.
Alexander’s family acknowledged the President’s involvement while urging negotiators to focus on the remaining 58 hostages still in captivity. Alexander's release marks the first since Israel resumed its military offensive on March 18, following a two-month ceasefire.
Shortly after his release, video footage captured Alexander with masked Hamas fighters, before he was passed to Red Cross personnel in southern Gaza. Following this, he was returned to Israel where he was joyfully reunited with his family. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the return of Alexander a “very moving moment,” praising Trump’s role in the release.
Despite this development, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel's military operations would intensify, rejecting any calls for a pause in hostilities. Furthermore, while Hamas confirmed that Alexander's release could support humanitarian aid access into Gaza, Israel has blocked entry of food and medical supplies for 70 days, igniting allegations of a starvation policy.
Plans for increased military action include potential expansion of the offensive, with Israeli representatives scheduled to speak with Qatari officials on further hostage negotiations. Alexander, born in Tel Aviv but raised in New Jersey, was among many who suffered during the ongoing conflict, which has claimed numerous lives in Gaza, as per reports from the Hamas-run health ministry.
As the geopolitical tensions escalate, Qatar and Egypt view Alexander's release as a hopeful sign for renewed talks aimed at a new truce.
Hamas has announced the release of Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American hostage held for 19 months, as a part of ongoing attempts to secure a ceasefire ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East. The 21-year-old, who enlisted in the Israeli army, was seized by Hamas on October 7, 2023, during a confrontation at the Gaza border.
To facilitate Alexander's release, Israel momentarily halted military operations in Gaza, allowing the transfer process to proceed. A senior Hamas official mentioned that this act was a goodwill gesture amid attempts to negotiate further diplomatic solutions. It's reported that he is the last U.S. citizen believed to be alive in Hamas custody. In response, President Trump expressed his joy over Alexander's release and sent congratulations to his family.
Alexander’s family acknowledged the President’s involvement while urging negotiators to focus on the remaining 58 hostages still in captivity. Alexander's release marks the first since Israel resumed its military offensive on March 18, following a two-month ceasefire.
Shortly after his release, video footage captured Alexander with masked Hamas fighters, before he was passed to Red Cross personnel in southern Gaza. Following this, he was returned to Israel where he was joyfully reunited with his family. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the return of Alexander a “very moving moment,” praising Trump’s role in the release.
Despite this development, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel's military operations would intensify, rejecting any calls for a pause in hostilities. Furthermore, while Hamas confirmed that Alexander's release could support humanitarian aid access into Gaza, Israel has blocked entry of food and medical supplies for 70 days, igniting allegations of a starvation policy.
Plans for increased military action include potential expansion of the offensive, with Israeli representatives scheduled to speak with Qatari officials on further hostage negotiations. Alexander, born in Tel Aviv but raised in New Jersey, was among many who suffered during the ongoing conflict, which has claimed numerous lives in Gaza, as per reports from the Hamas-run health ministry.
As the geopolitical tensions escalate, Qatar and Egypt view Alexander's release as a hopeful sign for renewed talks aimed at a new truce.
