Hamas to Release Last Living American Hostage in Gaza as Diplomatic Efforts Intensify

 In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Hamas has announced the imminent release of Edan Alexander, the last known living American hostage held in Gaza. The 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier, abducted during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, is expected to return home on Tuesday, according to sources familiar with the matter.

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the development in a social media post, stating: “Edan Alexander is coming home to his family.” Describing the move as “a step taken in good faith toward the United States and the mediators — Qatar and Egypt,” Trump emphasized that the decision aims to advance efforts to end the ongoing conflict and secure the return of all hostages and remains.

President Trump is scheduled to begin a diplomatic tour of the Middle East on Tuesday, with visits to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. While no stop in Israel is currently planned, his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, will travel to Israel on Monday to coordinate developments. “Right now, the intention is to return Edan Alexander home to his family,” Witkoff told Haaretz.

Adam Boehler, U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, is accompanying Alexander’s parents on their journey to Israel, according to a U.S. official cited by Axios. In a statement, Boehler called the development “a positive step forward” and urged Hamas to also facilitate the return of the remains of four American citizens confirmed to have died in captivity.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that the U.S. had informed Israel of Hamas’s decision to release Alexander unconditionally and characterized the move as a goodwill gesture toward the United States. The release is reportedly being carried out without the exchange of prisoners or any formal ceasefire agreement. However, Israel has agreed to provide a secure corridor and temporarily suspend drone activity over Gaza to ensure Alexander’s safe passage.

"Israel has not committed to a ceasefire or to the release of terrorists," the Prime Minister's Office emphasized, noting that negotiations would continue under combat conditions, with preparations for further military escalation underway.

Alexander’s family, speaking through the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, confirmed they had been notified of Hamas’s announcement and were in ongoing communication with U.S. authorities regarding his release. Alexander, born in Israel and raised in the United States, moved to Israel in 2022 and enlisted in the Israeli military.

His release follows the earlier announcement by Hamas that three other Israeli-American hostages—Omer Neutra, 21; Itay Hen, 19; and civilian couple Judih Weinstein-Haggai, 70, and Gad Haggai, 73—had died in captivity. All four were taken during the October 7 attack on Israeli communities near the Gaza border.

Qatar and Egypt, key mediators in ongoing ceasefire negotiations, issued a joint statement lauding Alexander’s impending release as “a gesture of goodwill and a positive step toward resuming negotiations aimed at reaching a ceasefire.”

Vice President JD Vance also weighed in on social media, urging continued prayers for Alexander’s safe return and praising the efforts of Witkoff: “If Hamas follows through, it will be another triumph for Steve Witkoff, who has faced enormous pressure in his efforts to free hostages and navigate the complexities of high-stakes diplomacy.”

As of now, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with just 21 believed to be alive, according to the latest figures released by the U.S. government. The humanitarian toll continues to mount as military operations persist in the region. According to estimates over the past 18 months, Israeli military actions have resulted in over 52,800 Palestinian deaths and the mass displacement of more than two million civilians, amid an intensifying humanitarian crisis.

The international community will be watching closely as the days ahead unfold, with hopes that Alexander’s release could mark the beginning of broader progress toward de-escalation and accountability.