Hamas says Edan Alexander, last living American hostage in Gaza, will be released in truce efforts

Published: Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 7:50 pm

Hamas Announces Release of Last American Hostage, Edan Alexander, Amidst Truce Talks

In a significant development, Hamas has announced it will release Edan Alexander, the last known living American hostage held in Gaza. Alexander, an Israeli-American soldier who grew up in the United States, was abducted from his base during the October 7th, 2023, Hamas-led attack that triggered the ongoing war.

The announcement came from Khalil al-Hayyah, a Hamas leader in Gaza, who stated the group has been in contact with the U.S. administration in recent days. Hamas is reportedly ready to begin intensive negotiations for a long-term truce, which would include ending the war, exchanging Palestinian prisoners and hostages, and transferring power in Gaza to an independent body of technocrats.

Edan Alexander, now 21, moved to Israel in 2022 after graduating high school and enlisted in the military. His parents, who still reside in Tenafly, New Jersey, have not yet commented on the announcement. President Donald Trump and his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, have frequently mentioned Alexander by name in recent months, highlighting his case. Witkoff is expected to visit Israel soon.

The news offers a glimmer of hope for Alexander's family, who have been anxiously awaiting his return. A video of Alexander released by Hamas in November, during Thanksgiving weekend, provided a painful but reassuring sign of life. The fate of the remaining 59 hostages held in Gaza, with an estimated one-third believed to be alive, remains a critical concern.

BNN's Perspective: While the potential release of Edan Alexander is undoubtedly welcome news, it underscores the complex and volatile nature of the conflict. The proposed truce, if achieved, could offer a path toward de-escalation and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, the details of such a deal, particularly the transfer of power, will require careful consideration and international oversight to ensure stability and prevent further conflict.

Keywords: Edan Alexander, Hamas, Gaza, hostage release, Israeli-American, truce, war, October 7th, Benjamin Netanyahu, Khalil al-Hayyah, Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff, Palestinian prisoners, hostages, Tenafly New Jersey, ceasefire, conflict, Middle East, negotiations, long-term truce

Full Coverage