Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier held in Gaza since October 2023, is set to be released by Hamas in what mediators have called a significant breakthrough in stalled truce negotiations.
Alexander’s anticipated release comes after months of diplomatic backchannel efforts and is being seen as a potential turning point in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas. Mediators from Qatar and Egypt, who have been central to brokering the deal, described the development as an “encouraging step” toward progress in what has otherwise been a prolonged and brutal conflict.
Who Is Eden Alexander?
Alexander was born and raised in New Jersey before moving to Israel and joining the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). He was taken captive during the Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023, a day that saw 1,200 Israelis killed and over 250 hostages taken. Alexander is believed to be the last known living American held by Hamas.
His release, expected on Tuesday, May 13, is part of renewed talks that aim to both secure a ceasefire and accelerate the delivery of humanitarian assistance into Gaza. The war, which began in retaliation for the October attack, has since resulted in the deaths of more than 52,800 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Former US President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to visit the region this week, praised the development. “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,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “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.”
Release May Reignite Wider Ceasefire Talks
Negotiations for Alexander’s freedom were reportedly the result of a four-party dialogue involving the US, Qatar, Egypt, and Hamas. Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya acknowledged that the group was now prepared to engage in “intensive negotiations” for a broader prisoner swap and potential final ceasefire agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is said to have told Israeli lawmakers that the move may be a goodwill gesture directed at Trump. While Israel has reiterated that its military operations will not pause until all hostages are returned and Gaza is demilitarised, officials noted that Alexander’s release could help revive talks for the remaining 59 captives.
Trump’s special envoy, Adam Boehler, called the release a “positive step,” urging Hamas to return the remains of four additional American citizens as part of ongoing negotiations.
