The Gaza-based Hamas militant group announced plans to release Edan Alexander, the last Israeli-American hostage, as part of efforts to initiate a ceasefire with Israel, restore humanitarian aid deliveries, and reopen crossings into the blockaded territory. A senior Hamas official, speaking to Reuters, mentioned that while no specific timeline for Alexander’s release was provided, reports indicate it could occur this Tuesday. Alexander, 21, is a soldier in the Israeli military and was abducted during Hamas’s surprise attack on Tel Aviv in October 2023.
Steve Witkoff, a special envoy from the Trump administration, confirmed the development to the Associated Press, indicating that Hamas’s agreement to release Alexander serves as a goodwill gesture toward the U.S. The U.S. government has communicated to Israel that this move might pave the way for negotiations on the release of remaining hostages, based on the initial framework accepted by Israel. The Israeli Prime Minister conveyed that preparations are underway for this potential development.
This announcement coincides with President Trump’s upcoming visit to the Middle East later this week. It is notable that no hostages have been freed since a ceasefire was broken by Israel in March. Adam Boehler, another envoy for Trump, expressed hopes for Hamas to also return the bodies of four other Americans taken in the conflict.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump characterized this as a positive step taken in good faith, aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict and facilitating the return of all living hostages and remains to their families. Following the brutal attack on Tel Aviv on October 7, 2023, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 individuals, Israel initiated a military campaign against Hamas. The toll on Palestinian lives has been devastating, with over 52,800 fatalities reported by local health authorities since the escalation of violence.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/world/hamas-releasing-us-israeli-hostage-edan-alexander-to-ceasefire-in-gaza-9997115/
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Publish Date: 2025-05-12 06:01:00
