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12-05-2025
Hamas has announced it will release US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander as part of efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Alexander, 21, was captured by Hamas militants during an attack on October 7, 2023, and is believed to be the last living US citizen held captive in Gaza. The release is seen as a goodwill gesture ahead of President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East and is intended to facilitate a deal for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, which has been under an Israeli blockade for 70 days. The Israeli Prime Minister's office stated that it had not committed to a ceasefire, but preparations for Alexander's release had been made possible due to military pressure on Hamas. Alexander's family expressed gratitude to President Trump and the US administration for their efforts in securing his release, and urged the Israeli government to continue negotiations for the release of the remaining 58 hostages.
12-05-2025
Hamas has announced it will release Edan Alexander, a 20-year-old Israeli-American hostage held captive for over 19 months, as part of ongoing mediation efforts to establish a ceasefire and resume aid delivery to Gaza. The release is expected to happen within the next 48 hours, according to Hamas officials. Alexander was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, while serving in the Israeli military near the Gaza border. The release is seen as a gesture to the Americans and is expected to lead to negotiations for the release of other hostages. U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, confirmed that Hamas had agreed to release Alexander. The news has been welcomed by Alexander's family and the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, who are urging the completion of a comprehensive agreement to secure the freedom of all remaining hostages.
12-05-2025
Hamas claims it will release American hostage Edan Alexander, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen held captive in Gaza since the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel, as part of efforts towards a ceasefire and the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip. The U.S. informed Israel that Hamas's intention to release Alexander is "a gesture to Americans, without compensation or conditions" and is expected to lead to negotiations for the release of other hostages. Alexander, 21, was kidnapped while serving in the IDF's Golani Brigade and has spent two birthdays in captivity. There are 59 hostages still in Gaza, with at least 24 believed to be alive. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has urged that Alexander's release should mark the beginning of a comprehensive agreement to secure the freedom of all remaining hostages.