The Hamas terrorist organization announced on Sunday night that it would release Israeli-American Edan Alexander as part of efforts to achieve a ceasefire.
The U.S.-designated terror group said the release of Alexander, 21, was “part of the steps being taken to achieve a truce, open the [border] crossings, and allow aid and relief to reach our people in Gaza.”
The decision to free Alexander, believed to be the last living American citizen held in Gaza, came following talks with the Trump administration’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.
A spokesperson for Hamas confirmed that Alexander would be released Monday, according to Reuters.
Trump confirmed the release on his Truth Social platform, writing: “I am happy to announce that Edan Alexander, an American citizen who has been held hostage since October 2023, is coming home to his family. I am grateful to all those involved in making this monumental news happen. This 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. Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict. I look very much forward to that day of celebration!”
Alexander’s family told Israel’s Channel 12 News earlier on Sunday that they had been waiting for Hamas’s announcement, which Witkoff had told them was expected.
A Hamas source cited by local media said that Alexander would be released within 48 hours, after his parents and Witkoff arrived in Israel. Jerusalem was reportedly not party to the negotiations that led to the deal, and will not be required to free terrorists in return.
U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler tweeted on Monday morning (Israel time) that he was heading to Israel with Alexander’s mother, Yael.
“On this Mother’s Day, it is my honor to travel with Edan Alexander’s mom Yael for reunion of her son from Hamas. Thank you President Trump for your commitment to bringing all Americans home,” Boehler said, attaching a photo of himself alongside the mother inside the plane.
In an official statement in response to the news, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said: “The expected release of IDF soldier Edan Alexander without any concessions is made possible due to the firm policy we have led with the backing of President Trump, and thanks to the military pressure exerted by IDF soldiers in the Gaza Strip.”
The statement emphasized that “Israel has not committed to any ceasefire or the release of terrorists—only to a safe corridor that will allow for Edan’s release.”
“We are in critical days, during which Hamas has before it a deal that would enable the release of our hostages. Negotiations will continue under fire and alongside preparations to intensify the fighting,” the statement continued.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told lawmakers of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Sunday that there was a chance that Hamas would release Alexander as a “tribute” to U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of the U.S. leader’s Middle East tour, which is scheduled to start on Monday, Hebrew media reported, citing the confidential discussion.
Alexander, a native of New Jersey, was abducted during the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist invasion of Israel’s south, in which Hamas-led terrorists murdered some 1,200 people and abducted 251.
Including Alexander, 59 abductees remain captive in Gaza, according to official Israeli army figures, including the remains of four deceased Americans.
It is believed that up to 24 hostages are still alive, including Alexander, with heavy question marks over one Israeli and two foreign nationals.
Ahead of Sunday’s Cabinet meeting, which came after Israeli security forces returned the body of an IDF soldier who had been missing since the 1982 First Lebanon War, Netanyahu vowed to return all hostages and missing people.
“It isn’t just lip service—it’s a massive effort by all Israeli security and intelligence agencies,” he declared.
Following the announcement of Alexander’s release, the family of hostage Alon Ahel issued a statement expressing anguish over his continued captivity. “The deal leaves Alon behind, injured and in pain. We are living in a nightmare, full of anxiety,” the family said in a statement reported by Ynet. “We congratulate the Alexander family, and demand that the Israeli government bring Alon and all the Israeli hostages home.”
The statement continued: “Alon and the other wounded remain in the tunnels without medical care or assistance. Alon is suffering from a serious, life-threatening injury. There is no end date to our nightmare.”