Hamas has agreed to release its last American hostage in Gaza, a move aimed at fostering goodwill with US President Donald Trump. This decision, confirmed by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff, is intended to rekindle discussions surrounding a ceasefire, the release of more hostages, and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza ahead of Israel’s planned offensive in the area.
Hamas’s impending release of Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American soldier abducted during the October 7, 2023, conflict initiated by Hamas, marks a significant development. This release will be the first achieved through negotiations primarily involving the US, without Israel’s direct participation. The announcement arrives just before Trump’s visit to the Middle East, emphasising the US’s role in driving peace efforts amid escalating desperation among the families of hostages and the two million residents affected by the ongoing Israeli blockade.
Alexander, who has roots in New Jersey, was taken during a Hamas assault that ignited the current war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office noted that the US was informed of Hamas’s intention to release him “without compensation or conditions,” suggesting that this act could pave the way for truce negotiations.
In previous talks, Netanyahu’s administration expressed frustration over US engagements with Hamas that led to this willingness for prisoner releases. A senior Hamas official stated that intensive negotiations with the US had occurred in recent days, with Hamas signalling readiness to discuss a long-term truce, including the exchange of Palestinian prisoners and hostages, as well as governance in Gaza.
The release of Alexander has been framed by Hamas as a goodwill gesture, and the US has responded favourably, indicating that this could unlock negotiations to conclude the ongoing hostilities. Over the last 19 months of conflict, significant loss of life has occurred in both Israel and Gaza, with tens of thousands of casualties reported.
While humanitarian conditions have reached critical levels in Gaza, with severe shortages of essentials, the family of Alexander has been vocal about their hopes for his release. His mother, Yael, previously shared that mentions of her son by Trump and Witkoff reassured her that efforts were underway to secure his freedom.
As negotiations unfold, the fate of the remaining 59 hostages in Gaza remains uncertain. The families of hostages are urging that Alexander’s release should be a precursor to broader agreements aimed at ensuring the safe return of all captives.
In a related development, Israeli forces announced the retrieval of a soldier’s remains missing since 1982 in Lebanon, highlighting the broader historical context of conflict in the region.