Hamas announced on Sunday that Edan Alexander, the last known American hostage held in Gaza since the October 7 attack, would soon be released. This comes amid signs of renewed diplomatic talks involving the United States, Qatar, and Egypt.
Khalil Al-Hayya, the head of Hamas’ negotiation team, revealed that the group had recently engaged in “positive” discussions with the US administration. He confirmed that Hamas was ready to engage in intensive negotiations aimed at stopping the war, exchanging prisoners, and allowing an independent body to manage Gaza.
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The 19-year-old Alexander, who was serving in the Israeli military when kidnapped, is expected to be released early this week, potentially as soon as Tuesday. The release is being seen as a gesture of goodwill from Hamas and is not dependent on the release of any Palestinian prisoners.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that the US had informed them of Hamas’ intention to release Alexander “without compensation or conditions.” However, they made it clear that ongoing negotiations for other hostages would continue amid military operations in Gaza.
The announcement coincides with a rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Emergency medical supplies are running low, with 43% of essential drugs out of stock. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) reported that it had run out of flour and food parcels, while clean water and fuel supplies are dangerously low.
Former US President Donald Trump, whose Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly played a key role in the negotiations, hailed the news as “monumental” and a “positive step” toward the United States. Trump also called for the return of all living hostages and the remains of those deceased.
Alexander’s parents, Adi and Yael, described the news as “the greatest gift imaginable” on Mother’s Day, expressing gratitude to Trump, Witkoff, and others in the US administration for their efforts.
Steve Witkoff is expected to arrive in Tel Aviv on Monday ahead of the release. He confirmed that the talks with Hamas had been indirect. Adam Boehler, the US Special Envoy for Hostage Response, will accompany the Alexanders to Israel. Boehler reaffirmed Trump’s commitment to securing the return of all US hostages and remains.
Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi confirmed that the release followed direct negotiations with the US, aimed at restarting humanitarian aid to Gaza. This position was supported by a joint statement from Qatar and Egypt, calling the release “an encouraging step” towards a broader ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.
In Israel, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed the news but emphasized that it should not be the only step. They urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to fulfill the moral obligation to bring all hostages home, noting that Trump had given hope to the families of the hostages and urged him to complete his mission.
Alexander is one of 59 hostages believed to still be held in Gaza. Last week, Trump stated that only 21 hostages were still alive, a number lower than Israel’s official count of 24, which led to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu acknowledging uncertainty about the fate of three hostages.
Among the deceased American hostages are Gadi Haggai and Judi Weinstein Haggai, a married couple, along with soldiers Itay Chen and Omer Neutra.
In a weekend interview, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee reiterated that securing the return of American hostages remains the highest priority for the president.
Despite the planned release, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen. The World Central Kitchen, a major food aid provider, announced on Friday that they can no longer prepare meals or bake bread due to resource shortages and are now focusing on expanding access to clean water.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the planned release but did not address the resumption of aid flows into Gaza, which remains under a strict Israeli blockade more than two months after the latest conflict began.
