Hamas announces release of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander in push for ceasefire

By Josef Al Shemary

Hamas has announced the release of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander as part of a push for a ceasefire in Gaza.

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The Palestinian militant group said it would be releasing Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage in Gaza, in its efforts to achieve a ceasefire with Israel.

Hamas said Alexander will be released as part of efforts to establish a ceasefire, re-open crossings into the territory and resume the delivery of aid.

Israel has been blocking aid including food, medical supplies and fuel in a total blockade since March 2025, creating a humanitarian crisis in the besieged Gaza Strip.

The Hamas statement does not say when the release will happen.

The announcement on Sunday night comes shortly before US president Donald Trump visits the Middle East this week.

Us president Donald Trump is currently not planning to visit Israel.

Alexander is an Israeli-American soldier who grew up in the United States, serving for the Israeli Defence Force (IDF).

He was abducted from his base during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack that ignited the war in Gaza.

Khalil al-Hayyah, a Hamas leader in Gaza, said the group has been in contact with the Trump administration over the past few days.

He said in a statement Hamas is ready to "immediately start intensive negotiations" to reach a final deal for a long-term truce.

Hamas is seeking a deal that includes an end to the war, the exchange of Palestinian prisoners and hostages in Gaza and the handing over of power in Gaza to an independent body of technocrats.

Alexander's parents did not immediately return requests for comment, and there was no immediate response from the office of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Trump has frequently mentioned Mr Alexander, now 21, by name in the past few months.

"Every time they say Edan's name, it's like they didn't forget. They didn't forget he's American, and they're working on it," Edan's mother, Yael Alexander, told The Associated Press in February.