Hamas announced on Sunday that it will release Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli soldier and dual U.S. citizen held captive in Gaza, as part of an effort to advance ceasefire negotiations and resume humanitarian aid to the besieged territory.
In an official statement, the Palestinian group confirmed it is now engaged in direct talks with the United States. “Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, a dual US national, will be released as part of the steps taken towards a ceasefire, reopening of the crossings, and delivery of aid and relief to our people in the Gaza Strip,” Hamas said.
Alexander, who was abducted from his base during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 assault, is expected to be released within the next 48 hours, although no exact timeline has been confirmed.
The announcement comes days before U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the Middle East. While Israel is not on his itinerary, Trump and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff have repeatedly highlighted Alexander’s case in recent months. Witkoff is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Monday, reportedly to help facilitate the agreement.
Witkoff confirmed that Hamas had agreed to free Alexander in hopes of reigniting stalled ceasefire negotiations.
Hamas also expressed readiness to begin “intensive negotiations” aimed at ending the war. The group proposed that a future administration in Gaza be led by a nonpartisan, technocratic body, with international guarantees to support long-term calm, reconstruction, and the lifting of Israel’s blockade.
Qatar and Egypt—key mediators in past ceasefire efforts—welcomed Hamas’s gesture as a positive sign and urged all parties to return to the negotiating table.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office acknowledged that U.S. officials had informed them of Hamas’s intention to release Alexander and its potential to unlock broader hostage negotiations. However, the statement reaffirmed Israel’s position: “Negotiations will continue under fire,” with military operations ongoing until all war objectives are achieved.
Israel has maintained a total blockade of Gaza—restricting food, medicine, fuel, and other essential supplies—for the past 70 days.
