REPORT: Hamas to release Israeli-American hostage as a gesture to Trump

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From Axios: Hamas said Sunday it will release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, who has been held for over 550 days, as part of an effort to reach a ceasefire deal and resume humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.

The big picture: Alexander’s release is also thought to be a gesture by Hamas to President Trump as he visits the Middle East later this week, sources said.

White House envoy Steve Witkoff spoke to Alexander’s parents and notified them of Hamas’ plans, the source said. Witkoff is expected to travel to Israel on Monday ahead of his release.

Alexander is the only living American citizen among the 59 hostages being held by Hamas. Only 21 of those hostages are known to still be alive, and the condition of three others isn’t clear.

The report explains that four other American citizens were among the hostages who are believe to now be deceased: Itay Chen, Gadi Haggai, Judi Haggai and Omer Nuetra.

Alexander, now 21 years old, was 19 when he was taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, the day of the massacre. He had grown up in New Jersey, but voluntarily joined the Israel Defense Forces after graduating from high school. When Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, he was serving with the IDF near the Gaza border.

President Trump announced in a Truth Social post Sunday evening:

I am happy to announce that Edan Alexander, an American citizen who has been held hostage since October 2023, is coming home to his family. I am grateful to all those involved in making this monumental news happen.

This was a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators — Qatar and Egypt — to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones. Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict. I look very much forward to that day of celebration!

Alexander’s family released the following statement on X:

Today, on Mother’s Day, we received the greatest gift imaginable—news that our beautiful son Edan is returning home after 583 days in captivity in Gaza. We express our deepest gratitude to President Trump, Steve Witkoff, and the US administration for their tireless work to make this happen.

We urge the Israeli government and the negotiating teams: please don’t stop. We hope our son’s release begins negotiations for all 58 remaining hostages, ending this nightmare for them and their families. No hostage should be left behind.

Adam Boehler, Special Envoy for Hostage Response, announced, “On this Mother’s Day, it is my honor to travel with Edan Alexander’s mom Yael for reunion of her son from Hamas. Thank you President Trump for your commitment to bringing all Americans home. @POTUS @SecRubio @SteveWitkoff ❤️❤️❤️.”

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) released posted the following statement:

Americans are praying for the reported impending release of Edan Alexander—the last living American hostage in Gaza. For nearly 600 days, this New Jersey native has been held in captivity in Hamas’ terror tunnels, denied even the most basic human dignity. His family has shown truly immovable commitment and strength as they advocated for his return.

While we pray for Edan’s safe return, we must never forget that Hamas still holds the bodies of four other Americans. President Donald Trump remains fully committed to bringing every American—living or deceased—home and he has a record of delivering for these families who have faced the unthinkable.

READ MORE from Axios.

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