Hamas announced late Sunday that it intends to release Edan Alexander, the last known American hostage held in Gaza, as part of ongoing efforts to establish a ceasefire and restore humanitarian access to the besieged territory.
The group did not specify a timeline for the release.
Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier, was captured during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 assault on Israel, which triggered the ongoing war in Gaza. He was taken from his military base in southern Israel and has remained in captivity since.
The statement from Hamas came just days before U.S. President Donald Trump’s expected visit to the Middle East. Although Trump is not scheduled to stop in Israel, his administration has been in contact with Hamas regarding Alexander’s case, according to Hamas official Khalil al-Hayyah.
Al-Hayyah also stated that Hamas is ready to engage in “intensive negotiations” aimed at achieving a comprehensive ceasefire. The group’s proposal includes halting hostilities, exchanging prisoners and hostages, and transferring governance in Gaza to an independent technocratic authority.
Alexander’s family has not yet commented on the latest announcement, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has also remained silent.
Trump has repeatedly highlighted Edan’s case in speeches over recent months. “Every time they say Edan’s name, it’s like they didn’t forget,” his mother, Yael Alexander, told the Associated Press earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes overnight killed at least 15 Palestinians, including multiple children, according to Gaza health officials. Two strikes in Khan Younis reportedly hit civilian tents, killing families, while additional casualties were reported in Gaza City.
The conflict continues to take a heavy toll on civilians as diplomatic efforts for a broader resolution gain renewed urgency.
