Additional Coverage:
Gaza Hostage Edan Alexander to be Released
Hamas has agreed to release Edan Alexander, the last American hostage held in Gaza. The 21-year-old Israeli-American will be freed along with the remains of four other dual-national hostages as part of a deal brokered by mediators. Alexander has been held captive for 525 days.
While the exact timing of the release remains unclear, it coincides with ongoing negotiations in Qatar aimed at extending the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that he will convene his cabinet on Saturday to discuss the next steps in the hostage release process.
This development follows a “bridge” proposal presented by US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and National Security Council Senior Director Eric Trager. The proposal outlined the release of hostages in exchange for prisoners, an extension of the ceasefire, and increased humanitarian aid, with the ultimate goal of achieving a lasting peace agreement.
While Israel accepted the proposal, Hamas initially resisted. However, a senior Hamas official confirmed their agreement to release Alexander and the remains of the other hostages.
Alexander, born in Tel Aviv and raised in New Jersey, was serving in the IDF’s Golani Brigade when he was captured during Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel. His capture has been a focal point for his family and for negotiators working to secure his release.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed the news, emphasizing that the return of any hostage is a positive step, but their focus remains on securing the release of all remaining captives. While this agreement brings hope, 59 hostages are still held by Hamas.