Hamas Agrees to Release Last Living US Hostage in Gaza
In a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Hamas has agreed to release the last living American hostage, Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander. According to a report from ITV News, Alexander was handed over to Israeli forces on Monday afternoon, as part of efforts to establish a ceasefire, reopen border crossings into Gaza, and resume the delivery of aid.
The release of Alexander, who was held hostage for 583 days, is seen as a goodwill gesture towards the United States and a significant step towards ending the brutal conflict in Gaza. As reported by ITV News, US President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff said that Hamas had agreed to release Alexander as a goodwill gesture towards Trump, ahead of his visit to the Middle East this week.
Alexander, an Israeli-American soldier who grew up in New Jersey, was abducted from his base during the October 7 Hamas-led attack that ignited the latest war in Gaza in 2023. His release is a welcome respite for his family and a significant development in the efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages. As reported by ITV News, Varda Ben Baruch, Alexander’s grandmother, expressed her relief and gratitude at his release.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement, with Israel’s offensive killing more than 52,800 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The offensive has destroyed vast areas of the territory and displaced some 90% of its population. As ITV News reports, 59 hostages are still in Gaza, around a third of them believed to be alive.
The release of Alexander is seen as a positive step towards securing a long-term truce in the region. Khalil al-Hayyah, a Hamas leader in Gaza, said the group has been in contact with the US administration over the past few days and that the group is ready to “immediately start intensive negotiations” to reach a final deal for a long-term truce. As quoted in ITV News, Trump said on his social media platform, Truth Social, that Alexander’s release was “a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators – Qatar and Egypt – to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones.”
The Hostages Families Forum, the grassroots forum representing most hostage families, said Alexander’s release “must mark the beginning of a comprehensive agreement” that will free everyone. As ITV News reports, Trump, whose administration has voiced full support for Israel’s actions, is set to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates this week in a regional tour.
In conclusion, the release of Edan Alexander is a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As reported by ITV News, it marks a positive step towards securing a long-term truce and the release of the remaining hostages. The international community will be watching closely as Trump visits the region this week, hoping to inject momentum into ceasefire talks and bring an end to the brutal conflict in Gaza.
