Hamas gives Edan Alexander, the last living American held by group, to Red Cross

Published: Monday, May 12, 2025 at 4:26 pm

**Hamas Releases American Hostage Edan Alexander, Signaling Potential for Further Negotiations**

In a significant development, Hamas has released Edan Alexander, the last known living American hostage held by the group. Alexander, a New Jersey native who moved to Israel and served in the Israel Defense Forces, was captured during the October 7th attack. The release, facilitated by the Red Cross, marks a potential shift in the ongoing conflict.

President Donald Trump announced the release, highlighting it as a gesture of goodwill towards the United States and a positive step towards ending the war. He also acknowledged the efforts of mediators Qatar and Egypt. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. officials, including special presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, to discuss the latest efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages. A negotiation team is set to travel to Doha, Qatar, to further these discussions.

Hamas still holds 58 hostages captured on October 7th, with approximately one-third believed to be alive. Tragically, four Americans are believed to be among the deceased whose remains are still held. The release of Alexander differs from previous hostage releases, which involved Israel freeing Palestinian prisoners and complete cessations of hostilities. This time, the deal was solely between the U.S. and Hamas, without any prisoner exchange.

The war, which began with Hamas's October 7th attack, has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians and widespread destruction in Gaza. Israel has recently resumed military operations and cut off humanitarian aid, a move that has drawn international criticism.

BNN's Perspective: While the release of Edan Alexander is undoubtedly a positive development, it's crucial to recognize that the core issues of the conflict remain unresolved. The resumption of military operations and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire. The international community must continue to pressure all parties to prioritize the safety of civilians and work towards a negotiated solution that addresses the root causes of the conflict.

Keywords: Hamas, Edan Alexander, hostage release, October 7th attack, Israel, Gaza, Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu, Red Cross, Qatar, Egypt, hostages, war, ceasefire, humanitarian aid, Palestinian prisoners, negotiations, conflict, U.S., American hostage, Israel Defense Forces

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