Hamas Announces Plans to Release U.S.-Israeli Hostage Edan Alexander

Published: Monday, May 12, 2025 at 12:24 am

**Hamas Announces Release of U.S.-Israeli Hostage Edan Alexander, Signaling Potential Ceasefire**

In a significant development, Hamas has announced its intention to release Edan Alexander, believed to be the last known living American held hostage by the group. This announcement, reported by multiple news outlets, comes amidst ongoing negotiations and signals a potential step towards a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

According to a statement from senior Hamas negotiator Khalil Al-Hayya, the release of Alexander is part of a broader effort to initiate intensive negotiations and reach a final agreement to end the war. The proposed agreement includes a prisoner exchange, the opening of crossings into Gaza to allow humanitarian aid, and the management of the Gaza Strip by an independent body.

Edan Alexander, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, was stationed on the Gaza border with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) when Hamas launched its October 7, 2023, attack. His mother, Yael Alexander, recounted the last conversation she had with her son before he was taken hostage.

The announcement comes as former U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to visit the Middle East in the coming days. While Hamas previously claimed it would release Alexander in March, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office expressed skepticism, accusing Hamas of attempting to manipulate ongoing talks.

BNN's Perspective: This announcement, while potentially offering a glimmer of hope for Edan Alexander's release and a possible ceasefire, should be viewed with cautious optimism. The history of this conflict is fraught with broken promises and shifting strategies. While the release of a hostage is a positive step, the underlying issues of the conflict remain complex and require sustained diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting peace.

Keywords: Hamas, Edan Alexander, hostage, release, ceasefire, Gaza, Israel, negotiations, prisoner exchange, humanitarian aid, Donald Trump, October 7, IDF, Khalil Al-Hayya, Benjamin Netanyahu

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