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Hamas announced Sunday that it will release Edan Alexander, the last known U.S. citizen held hostage in Gaza, as part of ongoing ceasefire mediation efforts involving the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. Alexander, a 20-year-old Israeli-American, has been held by Hamas for 583 days following his abduction on October 7, 2023, during the group’s deadly cross-border assault on Israel.
Two Hamas officials told the Associated Press that the release is expected to occur within 48 hours.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s office confirmed it was aware of the plan, stating the release was seen as a “gesture to the Americans.” The Israeli government said the move could pave the way for broader negotiations under the so-called Witkoff outline, a framework endorsed by Israel and crafted by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
“Israel is preparing for the possibility that this move will materialize,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement to CBS News. “Negotiations will continue under fire with a commitment to achieving all war goals.”
Witkoff confirmed that Hamas had agreed to Alexander’s release, which was widely celebrated by both U.S. and Israeli officials and families of other hostages.
Alexander, who was serving in the Israeli military near the Gaza border, was among 251 people taken hostage during the October 7 attack, which also left 1,200 Israelis dead. He grew up in New Jersey before enlisting in the Israel Defense Forces.
His parents, Yael and Adi Alexander, issued an emotional statement:
“On this Mother’s Day, we received the greatest gift imaginable — news that our beautiful son Edan is returning home. We express our deepest gratitude to President Trump, Steve Witkoff, and the U.S. administration for their tireless work to make this happen.”
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social:
“This was a step taken in good faith… Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict.”
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which advocates for the safe return of all abductees, called Edan’s expected release “a moment of hope” and urged leaders to secure the return of the remaining 58 known hostages.
Alexander’s name surfaced previously during brief ceasefire exchanges — some freed hostages reported seeing him in captivity and described him as calm and encouraging to others.
This potential breakthrough comes amid a renewed Israeli offensive in Gaza, which resumed in March 2024 after a short-lived ceasefire. The Palestinian Health Ministry claims more than 53,000 people have died in the territory since the conflict began.
While about 100 hostages were released during a truce in November 2023, only fewer than 50 have been freed since. Negotiations remain volatile, but officials hope Alexander’s release will restart momentum toward a permanent deal.
