Hamas has announced the immidiate release of Edan Alexander, the last known living American hostage held in the Gaza Strip. Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli soldier originally from New Jersey, was abducted during the group바카라s attack on Tel Aviv in October 2023.
According to CNN, a senior Hamas negotiator said recent discussions with the United States were 바카라highly positive.바카라 Sources indicate that Alexander바카라s release is expected to take place on Tuesday, though no official timing has been confirmed.
The release is part of an effort toward a ceasefire agreement involving the reopening of border crossings and the delivery of humanitarian aid, which has been halted since Israel imposed a full blockade on Gaza in early March.
Hamas negotiator Khalil Al-Hayya told Al Aqsa Tv that the the group is prepared to start negotiations for a full agreement to end the war, conduct a prisoner exchange, and place Gaza under the administration of an independent, professional body.
The Alexander family described the announcement as 바카라the greatest gift imaginable,바카라 and thanked US President Donald Trump, his envoy Steve Witkoff, and the current US administration.
Trump described the development as 바카라monumental바카라 on Truth Social and referenced the roles of Qatar and Egypt in mediation efforts.
Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi told Al Aqsa TV that the group held direct talks with the United States, which contributed to the progress and would allow the return of aid to Gaza.
According to Reuters, Israel is not expected to release any Palestinian prisoners in exchange. US Special Envoy for Hostage Response Adam Boehler will travel with Alexander바카라s parents to Israel and described the release as 바카라a first important step.바카라
In a closed meeting of the Knesset바카라s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas plans to release Alexander without any conditions or compensation. His office confirmed that future negotiations would continue during ongoing hostilities.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged the Israeli government to secure the release of all remaining captives and called on Trump to continue supporting the families.
Alexander is one of 59 hostages still held in Gaza. Trump recently said that only 21 of them are confirmed to be alive, while Israeli officials maintain the number is 24. Following Trump바카라s statement, Netanyahu바카라s office acknowledged uncertainty over the status of three hostages.
Deceased hostages include American citizens Gadi and Judi Weinstein Haggai, and Israeli-American soldiers Itay Chen and Omer Neutra.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said the return of hostages remains a top priority for President Trump.
Qatar and Egypt issued a joint statement calling Alexander바카라s release an encouraging step toward ceasefire talks, a prisoner exchange, and the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
