Hamas announces the imminent release of the last US hostage, Edan Alexander

Hamas announces the imminent release of the last US hostage, Edan Alexander

Hamas has announced the impending release of Edan Alexander, the last known American hostage held in Gaza.

Consultations between Hamas and the USA

The head of Hamas' negotiating team said they had contacted the US administration in recent days for talks that showed "high positivity." These talks appear to have made progress towards Alexander's release.

Priority for humanitarian aid

As a result of this communication, Hamas announced that it would release Alexander as part of steps toward a ceasefire. This will also allow the opening of crossings into Gaza and bring humanitarian aid into Gaza after the Israeli blockade has been in place for more than two months.

Willingness to negotiate

“The movement reiterates its readiness to immediately begin intensive negotiations and make serious efforts to reach a final agreement to stop the war, exchange prisoners and have the Gaza Strip managed by an independent, professional body,” Khalil Al-Hayya said in a statement.

Visit of the US special envoy

According to a source familiar with the details, Steve Witkoff, the Trump administration's special Middle East envoy, will arrive in Tel Aviv on Monday morning to prepare for Alexander's release. The source described this as a “gift of goodwill,” particularly as it comes with the threat of an expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

Upcoming peace negotiations

“We will immediately begin negotiating a peace agreement,” the source continued. During a closed session of the Foreign Policy and Defense Committee in the Knesset on Sunday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed members that Hamas may soon release American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, according to another informed source.

Development of history

News of Alexander's announced release was first reported by Axios. This is a developing story and will be continually updated.