Hamas announced on Sunday that it will release Israeli-U.S. hostage Edan Alexander from the Gaza Strip as part of efforts to secure a ceasefire and reopen border crossings for humanitarian aid. Khalil al-Hayya, a senior official and head of Hamas’s negotiating team, stated that recent communications with the U.S. administration have shown “great positivity” regarding mediation efforts.
Al-Hayya emphasized that the release of Edan Alexander is a step towards achieving a ceasefire, facilitating aid deliveries, and opening crossings into Gaza. He indicated that Hamas is ready to engage in intensive negotiations immediately to work toward ending hostilities, arranging a prisoner exchange, and establishing a professional governing body for the Gaza Strip.
Suhail al-Hindi, another senior member of Hamas, informed Xinhua that Alexander’s release is expected within 48 hours. The 18-year-old is believed to be the last living American hostage remaining in Gaza.
A temporary ceasefire had taken place in January, allowing for the release of some hostages and the entry of humanitarian aid during an initial six-week period. However, negotiations broke down after the first phase concluded on March 1, leading to a suspension of both the prisoner exchange and aid deliveries.
Original Source: https://tripurachronicle.in/world-news/hamas-to-free-israeli-american-hostage-in-bid-to-secure-ceasefire-reopen-crossings/
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Publish Date: 2025-05-12 13:45:00
