Hamas to Release Last Known American Hostage Amid Renewed Diplomacy
On Sunday, Hamas announced the imminent release of Edan Alexander, the last known American hostage held in Gaza since the October 7 attack. This development comes amid signs of renewed diplomatic engagement involving the United States, Qatar, and Egypt.
Hamas Signals Willingness for Peace Talks
Khalil Al-Hayya, head of Hamas’ negotiating team, revealed that the group had recently engaged in “positive” discussions with the US administration. He emphasized the group’s readiness to begin intensive negotiations, which could potentially lead to an agreement to halt the ongoing war, facilitate prisoner exchanges, and establish an independent management structure for the Gaza Strip.
The Release of Edan Alexander
Alexander, 19, a member of the Israeli military at the time of his abduction, is expected to be released as early as Tuesday, according to sources familiar with the situation. Hamas has framed this release as a goodwill gesture and clarified that it is not contingent on the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Diplomatic and Humanitarian Concerns
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that it was notified by Washington of Hamas’ intention to release Alexander “without compensation or conditions.” However, it stressed that negotiations for the release of additional hostages will continue, with military operations in Gaza set to persist.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening rapidly. The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that emergency medical supplies are nearly depleted, with 43% of essential drugs now out of stock. UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, also warned that it had run out of flour, food parcels, and was facing critical shortages of clean water and fuel.
Trump’s Role and Reactions
Former US President Donald Trump celebrated the news on his Truth Social platform, calling it a “monumental” development and a “step in good faith toward the United States.” He also urged for the return of all hostages, both living and deceased.
Edan Alexander’s parents, Adi and Yael, expressed immense relief, calling the news on Mother’s Day “the greatest gift imaginable.” They thanked Trump, Steve Witkoff (Middle East envoy), and other members of the US administration for their tireless efforts in securing the release.
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Behind the Negotiations
Steve Witkoff is expected to arrive in Tel Aviv ahead of the release, confirming that the talks with Hamas had been indirect. Adam Boehler, the US Special Envoy for Hostage Response, will accompany the Alexanders to Israel, reiterating the US commitment to securing the return of all American hostages.
Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi confirmed that direct negotiations with the US played a key role in the release, which was intended to restart the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. This was also supported by Qatar and Egypt, who called the release an encouraging step toward a broader ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
Israel’s Response and Hostage Situation
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Israel welcomed the announcement but stressed that it should not be seen as an isolated move. The group urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to fulfill the moral obligation of bringing all hostages back.
As of now, Edan Alexander is one of 59 hostages still believed to be held in Gaza. Donald Trump had claimed that only 21 of them were alive, a figure that differs from Israel’s official count of 24.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Despite the planned release of Alexander, Gaza’s humanitarian situation remains dire. The World Central Kitchen reported that it can no longer provide food aid due to shortages, focusing instead on expanding access to clean water.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the release of Alexander but made no reference to the resumption of aid flows into Gaza, which remains under a strict Israeli blockade following more than two months of conflict.
