In a dramatic development that could shift the fragile dynamics of the Gaza conflict, US President Donald Trump announced that Hamas has agreed to release Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier, the last known living US hostage held in Gaza. This move, Trump suggested, is a “good faith” gesture designed to facilitate broader ceasefire talks and to allow humanitarian aid deliveries into the besieged Palestinian territory.

Alexander had been captured during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel – a highly coordinated assault that left over 1,200 Israelis dead and resulted in approximately 250 hostages being taken into Gaza. His imminent release, confirmed by Hamas in a statement on May 11, signals a rare moment of cautious optimism in a conflict that has, by UN estimates, claimed more than 50,000 Palestinian lives, most of them civilians, over the past seven months.

“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 his social media platform, Truth Social. He thanked “all those involved” in the negotiation process, notably omitting any direct mention of Israel.

Trump characterized the release as “a step taken in good faith toward 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.”

Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is reportedly en route to Israel to personally oversee the final stages of Alexander’s release.

© Blitz