Edan Alexander, 21-year-old dual American-Israeli citizen and soldier, was released by Hamas on Monday after being captured in Gaza for more than 19 months. According to The Guardian, his release was facilitated by negotiations led by Trump’s administration with the support of mediation from Qatar and Egypt.
Alexander, captured during October 7, 2023, Hamas led to Southern Israel, was the last known living hostage in Gaza. Its release was confirmed by the International Committee of the Red Cross, which received it in Khan Youenis at approximately 18:30. Since then he has moved to Israel and has been undergoing medical evaluation in Ichilov hospital in Tel Aviv.
Hamas characterized the release as a “gesture of good will” towards the United States to support renewed negotiations. “We confirm that serious and responsible negotiations achieve the results to release prisoners,” Hamas said. “However, the continuation of aggression extends their suffering and can even kill them,” Sky News said.
President Donald Trump, who is preparing for a diplomatic trip to the Middle East, scored Steve Witkoff for his role in ensuring Alexander’s release. “He has a special way about him,” said Trump about Witkoff, who is an American real estate investor and a lawyer who currently serves as a special envoy of the United States in the Middle East.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude for his assistance to President Trump. The statement from Netanyahu’s office noted that he “thanked President Trump for his help at the release of (Israeli military) soldier Edan Alexander.”
While Alexander’s release is a significant diplomatic success, he also caused a wider hostage discussion. There are currently 59 hostages in Gaza, with only 23 believed to be alive. The “hostage and missing families” forum urged Netanyahua to take stronger steps to ensure the release of all prisoners.
According to WSJ, indirect interviews between Israel and Hamas are set to restore in Doha in order to facilitate additional hostages and allow humanitarian aid to Gaza. Netanyahu, however, ruled out a ceasefire and said that the future negotiations would continue in the middle of the ongoing military events.
Alexander’s release comes in the middle of a fragile ceasefire and a continued effort to resolve a wider conflict.
(Tagstotranslate) Edan Alexander released gaza
