As part of ongoing ceasefire efforts in Gaza, Hamas has announced it will release Idan Alexander, a 21-year-old American-Israeli hostage. A senior Hamas official confirmed this on Sunday, describing it as a positive step toward resuming ceasefire negotiations in the war-torn region. Qatar and Egypt, the primary mediators, welcomed the move as encouraging. The BBC reported the development.
However, no specific time has been given for Idan’s release. The announcement comes amid direct talks between Hamas and a U.S. official in Qatar. Discussions have focused on securing a ceasefire and facilitating humanitarian aid into Gaza.
A senior Palestinian official involved in the talks told the BBC that the release is a goodwill gesture ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the Middle East on Tuesday. Another meeting between Hamas and mediators is scheduled for early Monday to finalize the release. For the process to proceed, Israel is expected to pause military operations and halt airstrikes during the handover.
Idan Alexander, born in Tel Aviv but raised in New Jersey, was serving in a special infantry unit near the Gaza border when he was captured during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack. Of the 251 hostages taken during that assault, 59 remain in Gaza, with an estimated 24 believed to be alive. Idan is thought to be the only surviving American hostage.
Hamas stated that the release is part of broader efforts to achieve a ceasefire and allow the entry of food, medicine, and other supplies into Gaza, which has been under a complete Israeli blockade for 70 days. Hamas expressed its desire to reach a final agreement to end the war.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed it was informed of the plan through the U.S., viewing the gesture as a sign of goodwill toward Americans. Officials hope this step will pave the way for further discussions on other hostages.
Hamas insists any agreement must include an end to the war, a condition repeatedly rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Talks between Hamas and the U.S. come amid growing tensions within the Trump administration over Netanyahu’s stance. Netanyahu is also facing domestic pressure, with critics accusing him of prolonging the war for political reasons.
President Trump is set to arrive in the Middle East on Tuesday. Israel has warned that if no agreement is reached during his visit, it will expand its military campaign against Hamas. Israeli officials say the expanded operation may include full territorial control of Gaza, forced displacement of Palestinians to the south, and the use of private companies for aid distribution despite opposition from the UN and humanitarian organizations.