The Hamas terrorist organization said in an official statement on Sunday night that it had decided to release Israeli-American Edan Alexander as part of efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the war in the Gaza Strip.
The US-designated terror group said the release of Alexander, 21, was “part of the steps being taken to achieve a truce, open the [border] crossings, and allow aid and relief to reach our people in Gaza.”
The agreement to free Alexander, who is believed to be the last living American citizen held in Gaza, came following talks with the Trump administration’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.
Alexander’s family confirmed the development to Israel’s Channel 12, saying earlier on Sunday, “We are waiting for Hamas’ announcement, and Witkoff updated us that this is expected to happen.”
A Hamas terrorist source cited by local media said that Alexander would be released within 48 hours, after his parents and Witkoff arrive in Israel.
Jerusalem was reportedly not a party to the negotiations that led to the deal and will not be required to free terrorists in return for his freedom.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told lawmakers of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Sunday that there was a chance that Hamas would release Alexander as a “tribute” to Trump ahead of his Middle East tour, which is scheduled to start Monday, Hebrew media reported, citing from the confidential discussion.
Edan Alexander, a native of New Jersey, was abducted during the Oct. 7, 2023, cross-border terror attacks in Israel’s south, in which Hamas-led terrorists murdered some 1,200 people and abducted another 251.
Fifty-eight other abductees remain captive in Gaza, according to official Israeli army figures, including the remains of four deceased Americans.
It is believed that up to 24 hostages are still alive, including Alexander, with heavy question marks over one Israeli and two foreign nationals.
Netanyahu vowed on Sunday to return all hostages and missing people, speaking at a Cabinet meeting after security forces returned the body of an IDF soldier that had been missing since the 1982 First Lebanon War.
“It isn’t just lip service—it’s a massive effort by all Israeli security and intelligence agencies,” the longtime leader of the Jewish state declared.
