Hamas confirmed on Sunday it will release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, 18, from Gaza as part of renewed efforts to broker a lasting ceasefire and reopen border crossings for humanitarian aid. The announcement marks a potential breakthrough in stalled negotiations following months of conflict.
Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas negotiator, stated the group had engaged with U.S. mediators in recent days and expressed willingness to begin "intensive negotiations" immediately. "Our priority is ending the war, finalizing a prisoner exchange, and establishing an independent governing body for Gaza," al-Hayya said in a public statement.
Senior Hamas official Suhail al-Hindi told Xinhua News Agency the release will occur within 48 hours. Alexander, believed to be the last U.S. citizen held in Gaza, was taken during Hamas’ October 7 cross-border incursion.
A previous six-week ceasefire in January saw limited hostage releases and aid deliveries before collapsing on March 1. The renewed negotiations come as Gaza faces worsening food and medical shortages, with UN agencies warning of famine risks.
Analysts suggest this move could signal Hamas’ readiness to de-escalate tensions, though challenges remain in reconciling demands for a full Israeli withdrawal and long-term governance plans for Gaza.
