Edan Alexander Freed by Hamas in Goodwill Gesture to Trump Admin/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Hamas released Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander after nearly 20 months in captivity as a goodwill gesture ahead of President Trump’s Middle East visit. The move could revive stalled ceasefire negotiations with Israel and Qatar. Trump’s administration says the release signals potential momentum toward ending the Gaza war.
Hamas Frees Israeli-American Hostage Ahead of Trump Gulf Visit – Quick Looks
- Edan Alexander, 21, was freed after 19 months in Hamas captivity.
- Release seen as goodwill gesture toward Trump administration and mediators.
- Trump calls it a “step toward ending the brutal conflict.”
- Israel confirms Alexander’s handover via Red Cross to military forces.
- Netanyahu says no concessions made; offensive in Gaza to continue.
- Israel to send delegation to Qatar for renewed ceasefire talks.
- Hostage families pressure Netanyahu for full agreement to release all captives.
- Alexander was captured during Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, cross-border attack.
Edan Alexander Freed by Hamas in Goodwill Gesture to Trump Admin
Deep Look
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier held hostage in Gaza for more than 19 months, was released Monday by Hamas as a goodwill gesture toward the Trump administration. His release — the first since a major ceasefire collapsed in March — comes just days before President Donald Trump’s high-profile visit to the Middle East.
The Israeli military confirmed Alexander was transferred to the International Committee of the Red Cross, then handed over to Israeli forces. He was expected to be taken first to the Reim military base in southern Israel.
In Tel Aviv, emotional scenes unfolded as Alexander’s family — clad in shirts bearing his name — celebrated the news. Crowds gathered at Hostage Square broke into cheers, and his grandmother beamed on live television.
Captured During Hamas’ 2023 Attack
Alexander, then 19, was abducted from his military base during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, cross-border assault — an event that marked the beginning of the current war in Gaza. That attack killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in around 250 hostages being taken.
His release is the first major breakthrough since Israel ended an eight-week ceasefire in March, reigniting a ferocious campaign across Gaza that has displaced 90% of the population and killed over 52,800 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Trump Hails Release as Step Toward Peace
The release comes just days before President Trump arrives in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates on his first official foreign trip of his second term. In a statement Sunday, Trump called the move:
“A step taken in good faith toward the United States and the efforts of the mediators — Qatar and Egypt — to end this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones.”
He added, “Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict. I look very much forward to that day of celebration!”
Netanyahu Faces Pressure as Talks Resume
While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Alexander’s release, his office emphasized that no concessions were made. Israel did not agree to a ceasefire or release of Palestinian prisoners, only a “safe corridor” for the hostage’s return.
Still, Netanyahu agreed to send a negotiating team to Doha, Qatar’s capital, for renewed indirect talks with Hamas. His office said any negotiations would continue “under fire.”
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents relatives of captives, welcomed the move but urged more decisive action:
“Edan Alexander’s release gives us hope… but all 58 of our loved ones must come home,” the group said. “Trump’s plan offers a real path to freeing all hostages immediately.”
Gaza Offensive Still Set to Escalate
Despite the breakthrough, Israel maintains its plan to intensify the offensive in southern Gaza. Netanyahu has indicated that military operations will pause only briefly during Trump’s visit to allow space for negotiations — but the overall military strategy remains unchanged.
Netanyahu Criticized for Relying on Trump
Netanyahu’s role in Alexander’s release has drawn sharp criticism. At his ongoing corruption trial, one courtroom attendee asked if he was “ashamed that the president of the United States is saving his citizens, and he is leaving them to die there in captivity.”
Many Israelis now question whether Netanyahu is using the war for political leverage, rather than prioritizing the return of hostages.
War’s Human Toll and Political Stakes
While the return of Alexander brings hope, the broader war continues to wreak devastation:
- 58 hostages remain in Gaza, with roughly 23 believed alive.
- Israeli bombardments have leveled entire neighborhoods.
- Famine conditions and medical shortages threaten Gaza’s 2 million residents.
Hamas hopes the gesture will restart ceasefire talks and reduce international pressure. Trump, who faces mounting scrutiny over his own regional policies, could use the release to claim diplomatic momentum during his Gulf tour.
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