Hamas has released Israeli-American captive Edan Alexander, 21, ‘paving the way’ for a return to ceasefire talks for the Gaza Strip, which has been devastated by Israeli genocide.
The Palestinian group says the US citizen was released “a short while ago following contacts with the US administration.”
“This comes as part of the efforts being made by mediators to achieve a ceasefire, open the crossings, and allow aid and relief to reach our people in the Gaza Strip,” it said in a statement.
“This step comes after important contacts in which Hamas demonstrated positivity and high flexibility.”
Hamas also urged the US administration “to continue its efforts to end this brutal war waged by the war criminal Netanyahu against children, women, and defenceless civilians in the Gaza Strip”.
The development comes shortly before US President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East this week – which does not include a trip to Israel.
His release would be the first since Israel shattered an eight-week ceasefire with Hamas in March, unleashing fierce strikes on Gaza that have killed hundreds of Palestinians.
“Congratulations to his wonderful parents, family, and friends!” the US president said in a social media post.
Trump on Sunday called the planned release “a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators – Qatar and Egypt – to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones.”
“Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict. I look very much forward to that day of celebration!” Trump said.
Israel said 58 people remain in captivity with about 23 of them said to be alive. Many of the 250 captives taken by Hamas-led fighters in the 2023 attack were freed during two ceasefires.
The Red Cross received Edan Alexander inside Gaza and handed him over to Israeli forces. According to Al Jazeera, he is now en route to Israel via the Kissufim crossing in the southern Gaza Strip.
From there, he will be taken directly to the Re’im airbase in southern Israel, where he is expected to reunite with his mother before being airlifted to a hospital near Tel Aviv.
Al Jazeera reported that this choreographed process has been the standard protocol for returning Israeli captives over the past year and a half.
