Hamas Releases U.S.-Israeli Hostage Edan Alexander Amid Ceasefire Efforts
Tel Aviv — Hamas has released Edan Alexander, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen who had been held hostage in Gaza since the October 7, 2023, attacks. His release was confirmed by both a Hamas statement and an Israeli official speaking anonymously due to restrictions on public commentary.
According to Hamas, Alexander’s release is intended as a goodwill gesture aimed at advancing ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Israel, which have recently involved U.S. mediation.
Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli Defense Forces soldier who was raised in New Jersey, is believed to be the last surviving American hostage held in Gaza by Hamas. The remains of four other U.S. citizens are still believed to be in Gaza, according to American officials.
Unlike previous hostage releases that drew criticism for being publicly staged, Alexander’s release was relatively low-profile. A single photo circulated by Hamas showed him standing between three armed, masked militants and a Red Cross worker in Gaza.
A Hamas representative, speaking anonymously, indicated that the release followed promises from the United States, though specific terms were not disclosed. The official suggested that Hamas expects the U.S. to facilitate broader agreements with Israel, including prisoner releases and humanitarian aid access for Gaza, as part of a pathway toward ending the conflict.
“The responsibility now lies with the U.S. and Israel,” the Hamas official said. “We fulfilled what the Americans requested. It’s now their turn to act.”
Israeli Denial of Concessions
The Israeli government, however, denies making any concessions in return for Alexander’s release. A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office credited U.S. President Donald Trump’s diplomatic efforts and Israel’s military pressure for securing the hostage’s freedom “without anything in return.”
Upon arrival in Israel, Alexander was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation, according to military officials.
President Trump responded on his social platform, calling the release a “good faith step” aimed at ending the war. Hamas reiterated that the move was part of a larger initiative to reopen Gaza’s border crossings and allow aid into the region, which has been under a strict Israeli blockade for over 10 weeks, creating a dire humanitarian situation.
Mixed Reactions and Political Tensions
While many welcomed the release, some critics expressed frustration over Israel’s inability to secure more hostage releases, pointing out that the U.S. had negotiated Alexander’s freedom independently.
“Trump is doing a great job in bringing hostages home,” said Maya Weinrich, a 27-year-old dual U.S.-Israeli citizen and medical student. “I don’t understand what our government is doing in comparison.”
In Gaza, several residents voiced support for the move. “Hamas wants to show it isn’t the one stalling the ceasefire,” said Awni Abu Kumail. Another resident, Ahmed Abu Hadid, commented, “Trump has shown Israel that the U.S. holds more power in these talks.”
A Shift in U.S. Policy and Ongoing Negotiations
Alexander’s release comes just ahead of President Trump’s visit to the Gulf region — his first overseas trip in his second term. While he will not be visiting Israel, discussions with Arab leaders about Gaza’s future are expected.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, met with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Ambassador Mike Huckabee. Israel confirmed that its negotiation team will depart for Doha on Tuesday.
This event reflects a notable shift in U.S. foreign policy, with Trump’s administration engaging directly with Hamas — a group the U.S. designated as a terrorist organization in 1997. The two sides reportedly began direct talks as early as January, breaking long-standing U.S. protocol.
Qatar and Egypt, both of which have played significant mediation roles, jointly welcomed Alexander’s release and called it an “encouraging step” toward a broader ceasefire deal.
Dozens Still Held in Gaza
According to Israeli sources, around 59 hostages remain in Gaza, more than half of whom are presumed dead. Earlier this year, Hamas released 38 hostages as part of a short-lived ceasefire deal in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. That truce ended in March after talks failed to extend the agreement.
Since then, Israel has taken control of about a third of Gaza and imposed a full blockade on aid, while continuing heavy aerial bombardments. Palestinian health authorities report that over 52,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began in October 2023. Israel states that approximately 1,200 people were killed during the initial Hamas-led attacks, with around 250 hostages taken.
