Hamas agreed to launch final residing US hostage Edan Alexander in Gaza, confirms envoy of Donald Trump

On Sunday (Could 11), Hamas stated the final residing American hostage in Gaza, Edan Alexander, might be launched as a part of efforts to ascertain a ceasefire, reopen crossings into the Israeli-blockaded territory and resume the supply of assist. Two Hamas officers advised the media that they count on the discharge within the subsequent 48 hours. US President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed late Sunday in a message to AP that Hamas had agreed to launch Alexander as a ‘goodwill’ gesture towards Trump.

The announcement of the primary hostage launch since Israel shattered a ceasefire in March comes shortly earlier than Trump visits the Center East this week. It highlighted the willingness of Israel’s closest ally to inject momentum into ceasefire talks for the 19-month battle as desperation grows amongst hostages’ households and Gaza’s over 2 million folks below the brand new Israeli blockade.

Alexander is an Israeli-American soldier who grew up in New Jersey. He was kidnapped from his base in the course of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault that ignited the battle in Gaza.

Netanyahu govt indignant by US direct talks with Hamas 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s workplace stated the US knowledgeable it of Hamas’ intent to launch Alexander with out compensation or circumstances and that the step is predicted to result in negotiations on a truce. Netanyahu’s authorities was angered by US direct talks with Hamas earlier this yr, which led to a Hamas provide to launch Alexander and the our bodies of 4 different hostages if Israel recommitted to a stalled ceasefire deal. Days later, nevertheless, Israel resumed the battle.

Witkoff advised the AP that Hamas’ purpose in releasing Alexander was to restart talks on a ceasefire, the discharge of extra hostages and a surge of humanitarian assist into Gaza earlier than Israel carries out a threatened whole takeover of the territory.

Khalil al-Hayyah, a Hamas chief in Gaza, stated the group has been in touch with the US administration over the previous few days. Al-Hayyah stated in a press release Hamas is able to “instantly begin intensive negotiations” to achieve a remaining deal for a long-term truce, which incorporates an finish to the battle, the change of Palestinian prisoners and hostages in Gaza and the handing over of energy in Gaza to an unbiased physique of technocrats.

Alexander is predicted to be launched quickly

Oblique talks between Hamas and the US started 5 days in the past, an Egyptian official and a senior Hamas official advised media, with each describing the discharge of Alexander as a gesture of goodwill. The senior Hamas official, talking on situation of anonymity as a result of he was not authorised to talk to the media, stated Alexander is predicted to be launched on Monday (Could 12). Hamas was suggested to “give a present to President Trump and in return he’ll give again a greater one,” the official stated.

One other Hamas official, talking on situation of anonymity to debate negotiations, stated Alexander’s launch is predicted within the subsequent 48 hours, including that it requires Israel to pause combating for a few hours. The Egyptian official concerned in ceasefire negotiations, talking on situation of anonymity to debate talks, stated Hamas obtained assurances from the Trump administration by Egyptian and Qatari mediators that Alexander’s launch “will put all recordsdata on the negotiating desk” together with an finish to the battle.

Alexander’s dad and mom didn’t instantly return requests for remark. Trump and Witkoff have incessantly talked about Alexander, now 21, by title up to now few months. Witkoff was travelling to the area on Monday forward of Alexander’s anticipated launch.

“Each time they are saying Edan’s title, it is like they did not overlook. They did not overlook he is American, and so they’re engaged on it,” Edan’s mom, Yael Alexander, advised The Related Press earlier this yr.

Hamas launched a video of Alexander in November in the course of the Thanksgiving weekend, his mom stated. The video was troublesome to look at as he cried and pleaded for assist, but it surely was a reduction to see the most recent signal that he was alive, she stated.

Fifty-nine hostages are nonetheless in Gaza, round a 3rd of them believed to be alive. A lot of the relaxation have been launched in ceasefire agreements or different offers. The Hostages Households Discussion board, the grassroots discussion board representing most hostage households, stated Alexander’s launch “should mark the start of a complete settlement” that may free everybody. Trump, whose administration has voiced full help for Israel’s actions, is ready to go to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates this week in a regional tour.

(With inputs from companies)