Hamas agrees to release American hostage Edan Alexander

Hamas has agreed to release Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage in captivity in the Gaza Strip. This comes after 525 days of captivity for the 21-year-old Israeli-American. Along with Alexander, the bodies of four other hostages will also be released as part of the deal offered by mediators.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum confirmed the news, stating that the bodies being released are of dual-national hostages. The transfer of the hostages and bodies is expected to happen soon, although the exact timeline is still unclear. The agreement comes amidst ongoing talks in Qatar to establish the next phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, following the end of the first phase on March 1.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that a ministerial team will convene on Saturday to receive a detailed report from negotiators and decide on the next steps for the release of the hostages. This development follows a proposal presented by U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, for extending the ceasefire in exchange for more hostage releases and the resumption of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Edan Alexander, born in Tel Aviv and raised in New Jersey, has been held captive by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023. He was serving in the Israel Defense Forces’ Golani Brigade when he was taken hostage during Hamas’ attacks on Israel. Alexander’s mother, Yael, has been anxiously waiting for his safe return, and the news of his impending release brings hope and relief to their family.

Hamas official Basem Naim confirmed the agreement to release Alexander and the other hostages, expressing the movement’s readiness to engage in negotiations and reach a comprehensive agreement. The release of the hostages is seen as a positive step towards peace and reconciliation in the region.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed the news of the releases, emphasizing the importance of bringing all hostages home. They continue to pray for the safe return of the remaining hostages and urge for a comprehensive deal to secure their release.

As the world waits for the final release of Edan Alexander and the other hostages, there is hope that this gesture will pave the way for further progress towards peace and stability in the region. The commitment of all parties involved to prioritize the safe return of the hostages is a step in the right direction towards a brighter future for all involved.