American-Israeli Hostage Edan Alexander Rejoins Family Following Release by Hamas

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An Israeli-American hostage was released by Hamas and returned to Israel during a temporary cessation of fighting in the Gaza Strip; however, a broader ceasefire agreement has not been reached.

According to the Israeli military, Edan Alexander was safely transferred to Israeli custody from 19 months of captivity, facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross. Alexander had been serving in the Israeli army when he was captured by Hamas.

Alexander was the last American hostage held by Hamas, with Israel’s Channel 12 reporting that his condition was “low,” though no source was provided for this information.

Al Jazeera broadcasted a photo showing him alongside masked fighters and a Red Cross representative.

Unlike in previous hostage releases, he was wearing civilian clothes.

Hostilities in the Gaza Strip were suspended at midday after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a halt to military operations to ensure the safe release of hostages.

Trump heads to the Gulf

Hamas said it was freeing Alexander as a goodwill gesture to US President Donald Trump, who is visiting the region this week. He is due to visit Gulf states on a trip that does not include a stop in Israel.

Special envoy Steve Witkoff, who helped arrange the release, was expected in Israel on Monday, two Israeli officials said.

Alexander’s family thanked Trump and Witkoff, saying in a statement that they hoped the decision would open the way for the release of the other remaining hostages.

“Edan Alexander, American hostage thought dead, to be released by Hamas. Great news!” Trump wrote on his social media platform earlier in the day.

Netanyahu said Alexander’s release came thanks to Israel’s military pressure in the Gaza Strip and political pressure from Trump.

Netanyahu stated that he had a phone call with President Trump on Monday, during which Trump reaffirmed his support for Israel, as mentioned in a statement from Netanyahu’s office.

Israel to deploy mediators to Qatar

Netanyahu has said there will be no ceasefire and that plans to intensify military action in the Gaza Strip continue.

Witnesses in the Gaza Strip told Reuters the movement of aviation over the enclave by Israeli warplanes and drones had resumed after Alexander’s handover.

The release, after four-way talks between Hamas, the United States, Egypt and Qatar, could open the way to freeing the remaining 58 hostages held in the Gaza Strip, 19 months after Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Qatar and Egypt said Alexander’s release was an encouraging step towards new truce talks.

Israel will send a delegation to Qatar on Thursday to discuss a new proposal aimed at securing further hostage releases, Netanyahu’s office said.

The global hunger monitor, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) said on Monday that half a million people in the Gaza Strip face starvation and there is a critical risk of famine by September.

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