ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The United States has confirmed that Edan Alexander, the last known living American hostage held in Gaza since the October 7 attack, is expected to be released in the coming days, possibly as early as Tuesday, according to officials familiar with the matter.
Hamas Announces Progress in Negotiations
The development follows a statement by Khalil Al-Hayya, head of Hamas’ negotiating team, who confirmed “positive discussions” with the US administration. He noted the group’s readiness to engage in comprehensive negotiations for a final agreement that includes a ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, and post-conflict governance by an independent body.
Alexander, 19, was serving in the Israeli military when he was taken hostage. His release is reportedly a goodwill gesture and is not conditional on a prisoner swap, marking a shift in Hamas’s previous demands.
Israeli, US Officials Confirm Plans
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office stated that Washington had informed them of Hamas’s intention to release Alexander “without compensation or conditions.” However, the statement added that negotiations for other hostages would continue “under fire,” suggesting Israel’s military operations in Gaza will proceed.
Former US President Donald Trump celebrated the announcement, attributing the breakthrough to backchannel efforts led by his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. On Truth Social, Trump described the news as “monumental” and urged for the return of all hostages, both living and deceased.
Alexander’s parents, Adi and Yael, expressed their gratitude in a Mother’s Day message, calling it “the greatest gift imaginable.”
Humanitarian Conditions Worsen in Gaza
The announcement comes as humanitarian conditions in Gaza reach a critical level. The Ministry of Health reports that 43% of essential medications are now unavailable, while UNRWA warns that food and fuel supplies are nearly depleted. World Central Kitchen said it has suspended meal preparation due to a lack of resources, redirecting efforts toward providing clean water.
Despite the looming release, the Israeli government has not yet committed to restoring aid flows into Gaza, which has remained under a strict blockade since the latest conflict escalation began over two months ago.
International Involvement and Ongoing Uncertainty
Steve Witkoff is expected in Tel Aviv on Monday to oversee the final stages of Alexander’s release. US Special Envoy for Hostage Response, Adam Boehler, will accompany the family to Israel. Boehler reiterated that securing the return of American hostages has remained a top priority for the Trump administration.
In an interview with Al Aqsa TV, senior Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi said the planned release followed direct talks with the US aimed at renewing humanitarian aid efforts. Qatar and Egypt also welcomed the development, calling it “an encouraging step” toward a broader ceasefire and exchange agreement.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Israel welcomed the news but cautioned that Alexander’s release must not be an isolated case. “Prime Minister Netanyahu must immediately fulfill the moral obligation to bring everyone back,” the group stated.
While the US acknowledges 21 living hostages, Israel officially lists 24. Discrepancies persist, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently admitted uncertainty over the fate of three individuals.
Among the confirmed deceased American hostages are Gadi and Judi Weinstein Haggai, as well as IDF soldiers Itay Chen and Omer Neutra.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee reaffirmed that securing the return of American hostages “remains the highest priority that the president has as it relates to this country.”
As diplomatic efforts intensify and humanitarian conditions worsen, the focus now shifts to whether the release of Edan Alexander will open the door to broader conflict resolution in the region.
