CAIRO, May 11 — In a significant development that could pave the way for renewed ceasefire talks, Hamas has announced it will release Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American hostage currently held in Gaza. Alexander, a soldier in the Israeli military who was raised in New Jersey, has been in captivity since the deadly Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
A senior official from Hamas confirmed the group’s intention to release Alexander soon but did not provide a specific date. However, a source with direct knowledge of the negotiations indicated that the release is expected to take place on Tuesday. If carried out as planned, Alexander’s return would mark a significant step forward in efforts to bring the ongoing conflict to a halt and ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Hope Rekindled Through Diplomatic Mediation
The decision to free Alexander follows intense diplomatic activity led by Arab mediators, particularly Qatar and Egypt, who have been working alongside U.S. officials to break the stalemate in ceasefire negotiations. The move is being viewed as a critical gesture of goodwill and could open the door for more constructive dialogue between the warring parties.
The governments of Qatar and Egypt issued a joint statement welcoming the decision, describing it as an encouraging sign that progress is possible. They reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating broader talks aimed at achieving a lasting truce and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, many of whom are on the brink of catastrophe due to severe shortages of essential supplies.
Edan Alexander is believed to be the last known surviving American hostage held by Hamas. His release has been a focal point of diplomatic discussions and is widely seen as a move that could influence public opinion in the United States as well as Israel.
U.S. Reaction and Trump’s Upcoming Visit
U.S. President Donald Trump, who is expected to travel to the Middle East this week, responded to the news with cautious optimism. His special envoy to the region, Adam Boehler, called the development a “positive step” and urged Hamas to also return the remains of four other American citizens who were taken during the October assault.
Trump posted a message on Truth Social expressing gratitude to those who facilitated the release. He saw the decision as a sign of goodwill toward the United States and a reflection of the ongoing diplomatic initiatives led by Qatar and Egypt.
“This is a meaningful step toward ending a devastating conflict,” Trump wrote, emphasizing the need to bring home all hostages and retrieve the bodies of the deceased for their families.
Background: The Conflict and the Human Toll
The Gaza conflict reignited following a large-scale Hamas operation on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people in Israel and the capture of 251 hostages, It became one of the most devastating assaults the nation had ever faced, prompting Israel to initiate a large-scale military operation throughout the Gaza Strip.
Since then, over 52,800 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives due to airstrikes and ground operations, according to local health sources. The war has left much of Gaza in ruins, with neighborhoods flattened and infrastructure severely damaged. Humanitarian access remains limited, as Israel has maintained a strict blockade since March.
Hamas’ decision to release Alexander is being seen as an indication that the group is open to resuming negotiations. A senior member of the group, Khalil al-Hayya, said the effort to release the hostage was made possible through cooperation with Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. He also reiterated Hamas’ openness to begin intensive negotiations with the goal of ending the conflict and arranging a prisoner exchange agreement.
A Fragile Path Forward
High-level negotiations reportedly involved direct talks between officials representing the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Hamas. These discussions focused not only on Alexander’s release but also on broader conditions that could lead to a sustained ceasefire and the eventual return of all captives.
In Israel, political leaders have acknowledged the potential impact of Alexander’s release. According to local media, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed members of his Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that Hamas might release Alexander as a gesture toward Trump and international mediators.
Israel’s government stated that it remains committed to achieving all of its war objectives, including the full return of remaining hostages and the dismantling of Hamas’ military capabilities. While it acknowledged that negotiations will continue even amid ongoing military operations, officials stressed that they will not accept any agreement that allows Hamas to remain armed.
Continuing Struggles and Hostage Standoff
Earlier this year, a temporary ceasefire led to the release of 38 hostages in January, but talks fell apart in March when Hamas declined to extend the truce without a comprehensive agreement to end the war. In response, Israel resumed its military offensive, vowing to continue operations until the remaining 59 hostages are released.
For its part, Hamas maintains that it will not surrender its weapons and insists that any hostage release must be part of a broader political agreement to conclude hostilities. This difference in approach remains one of the major barriers to peace.
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department continues to place the burden of responsibility on Hamas for both the war and the breakdown of previous negotiations. Still, officials expressed hope that Alexander’s release could reignite serious discussions and eventually bring about a permanent end to the violence.