Edan Alexander, a 20-year-old Israeli American who has been held hostage since October 2023, will be released, Hamas announced Sunday.
Edan Alexander, the last living U.S. citizen kidnapped by Hamas terrorists and held hostage for more than 19 months, will be released from captivity, Hamas said in a statement Sunday.
The Hamas statement Sunday night said the release was part of ongoing mediation efforts to establish a ceasefire, reopen crossings into the Israeli-blockaded territory and resume the delivery of aid. It does not say when the release will happen. Two Hamas officials told The Associated Press they expect the release in the next 48 hours.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said it was aware of Hamas’ plans to release Alexander « as a gesture to the Americans » in a statement to CBS News on Sunday.
« The United States has informed Israel that this move is expected to lead to negotiations for the release of the hostages under the original Witkoff outline — which Israel has already accepted », the office said, referencing terms negotiated by Steve Witkoff, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East.
« Israel is preparing for the possibility that this move will materialize », the statement continued. « According to Israeli policy, the negotiations will take place under fire with a commitment to achieving all war goals. »
Alexander is a 20-year-old Israeli-American soldier who grew up in New Jersey and was a soldier in the Israeli military when Hamas attacked on Oct.
