Hamas’s leader in Gaza, Khalil al-Hayyah, said the U.S. government had been in contact for the past several days amid the negotiations.
Hamas says it will release Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage in Gaza, on Monday.
The move by the terrorist group comes amid an effort to establish a cease-fire with Israel and resume aid delivery into the war-torn territory it controls.
Hamas made the announcement of the release as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to visit the Middle East this week. He is not scheduled to visit Israel during the trip.
Trump said in a social media post, “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!”
While originally from the United States, Alexander, 21, is an Israeli-American soldier who was captured from his base during Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, siege on southern Israel that ignited the war in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office did not issue an immediate response.
Hamas’s leader in Gaza, Khalil al-Hayyah, said the U.S. government had been in contact for the past several days.
In a statement, he said that Hamas is ready to “immediately start intensive negotiations” to formalize an enduring cease-fire that would also end the war, make an exchange of Palestinian prisoners and hostages in Gaza, and give authority in Gaza over to an independent body.
Trump and his special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, have referred to Alexander repeatedly in the past few months. Witkoff met with hostage families during a visit to Israel on May 11.
Edan’s mother, Yael Alexander, had said in February, “Every time they say Edan’s name, it’s like they didn’t forget. They didn’t forget he’s American, and they’re working on it.”
During Thanksgiving weekend in November 2024, Hamas released a video of Alexander, according to his mother. She said the video was difficult to watch with his cries and pleas for help but also reassuring as it was the most recent sign that the young soldier is still alive.
By Jacob Burg
