Hamas to free Israeli-American soldier held in Gaza after talks with US
Hamas has confirmed it will release Israeli-American captive Edan Alexander as part of broader efforts to secure a ceasefire and allow urgently needed humanitarian aid into Gaza.
In a statement issued on Sunday, senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya announced the move following direct contact between the group and the United States in recent days. He said the decision came amid mediation efforts led by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.
“The movement affirms its readiness to immediately start intensive negotiations and make serious efforts to reach a final agreement to end the war, exchange prisoners in an agreed-upon manner,” al-Hayya said.
In a post on Truth Social, United States President Donald Trump said he was grateful to all those involved.
"This was 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," Trump said.
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Steve Witkoff, the United States’ special envoy to the Middle East, said that Alexander, could be freed as early as Monday following what he called an extended and complex negotiation process.
“We are picking him up probably tomorrow,” Witkoff told NBC News, confirming the deal. “There was a long negotiation with lots of people to thank.”
He described the anticipated release as a goodwill gesture towards Trump, crediting him with playing a central role in the breakthrough. “It is a big moment in large part because of Trump,” Witkoff said. “The family is ecstatic.”
Hamas said discussions with Washington had been “positive” and described Alexander’s release as a step toward securing a truce, reopening border crossings, and enabling aid deliveries to Palestinians in the besieged enclave.
Alexander, a dual US-Israeli citizen, was serving in the Israeli military when he was captured during the 7 October Hamas-led assault on southern Israel. At the time, he reportedly was stationed near the Gaza border.
The announcement comes ahead of a planned visit to the Middle East by US President Donald Trump. Although Trump is not expected to visit Israel, Witkoff has described Alexander’s release as a “top priority.”
Hamas has also reiterated its willingness to allow an independent professional body to administer Gaza as part of any future agreement, aiming to establish long-term calm, reconstruction, and a lifting of the Israeli blockade.
Since 2 March, Israel has imposed a total blockade on Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, cutting off all supplies. Food reserves that were built up during a brief truce earlier this year have nearly been exhausted.
On 18 March, Israel resumed its military offensive, effectively ending the ceasefire agreement reached with Hamas in January.
Gaza’s Ministry of Health says at least 19 people have been killed and 81 injured in the past 24 hours as Israel continues its bombardment of the besieged enclave.
The latest figures bring the overall death toll since 7 October 2023 to 52,829, with 119,554 others wounded in the ongoing assault.
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