The decision comes amid growing regional tensions and renewed Israeli offensives in Gaza.
Hamas to Release Last American Hostage, Edan Alexander
Hamas to Release Last American Hostage, Edan Alexander
Hamas announces the potential release of American hostage Edan Alexander ahead of President Trump's visit.
Hamas, the Palestinian militant organization, declared on Sunday that it would free Edan Alexander, the last American citizen held captive in Gaza. This announcement arrives just days before President Trump is set to embark on his inaugural foreign tour of his second presidential term to the region.
While Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas’s lead negotiator, did not specify a timeline for Mr. Alexander’s release or any conditions, U.S. officials expressed hopes that it would occur as early as Monday. The news adds weight to the already critical atmosphere within the region as tensions rise, with families of Israeli hostages expressing waning optimism regarding their loved ones’ fates amid escalating military operations by Israel in Gaza.
Edan Alexander, raised in Tenafly, New Jersey, is 21 years old and moved to Israel to fulfill his military service following high school. He was captured in a surprise assault by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023, along with approximately 250 others, to be leveraged in negotiations with Israel. Over 18 months later, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with many feared dead by Israeli authorities, including four Americans.
Interestingly, U.S. officials reportedly engaged directly with Hamas leaders to negotiate Mr. Alexander's release, marking a significant departure from the long-standing American policy of abstaining from dialogue with the group, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.
Adam Rasgon and Aaron Boxerman contribute to this coverage from Jerusalem, concentrating on the delicate interplay between Israeli and Palestinian affairs.
While Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas’s lead negotiator, did not specify a timeline for Mr. Alexander’s release or any conditions, U.S. officials expressed hopes that it would occur as early as Monday. The news adds weight to the already critical atmosphere within the region as tensions rise, with families of Israeli hostages expressing waning optimism regarding their loved ones’ fates amid escalating military operations by Israel in Gaza.
Edan Alexander, raised in Tenafly, New Jersey, is 21 years old and moved to Israel to fulfill his military service following high school. He was captured in a surprise assault by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023, along with approximately 250 others, to be leveraged in negotiations with Israel. Over 18 months later, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with many feared dead by Israeli authorities, including four Americans.
Interestingly, U.S. officials reportedly engaged directly with Hamas leaders to negotiate Mr. Alexander's release, marking a significant departure from the long-standing American policy of abstaining from dialogue with the group, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.
Adam Rasgon and Aaron Boxerman contribute to this coverage from Jerusalem, concentrating on the delicate interplay between Israeli and Palestinian affairs.
