DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip – Hamas says it has released Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander.
There was no immediate confirmation from Israel.
Hamas said it was releasing Alexander as a goodwill gesture to try to revive talks on ending the war. The release comes ahead of President Donald Trumpβs visit to the Middle East this week.
Edan Alexander was taken from his military base in southern Israel during Hamas’ cross-border attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which set off the war in Gaza. His release would be the first sinceΒ Israel shattered an eight-week ceasefire with Hamas in March, unleashing fierce strikes on Gaza that have killed hundreds.
Israel has promised toΒ intensify its offensive, including by seizing the territory and displacing much of its population again. Days before the ceasefire ended, Israel blocked all imports from entering the Palestinian enclave,Β deepening a humanitarian crisisΒ and sparkingΒ warnings about the risk of famineΒ if the blockade isn’t lifted. Israel says the steps are meant to pressure Hamas to accept a ceasefire agreement on Israel’s terms.
Israel says 59 hostages including Alexander remain in captivity, with about 24 of them said to be alive. Many of the 250 hostages taken by Hamas-led militants in the 2023 attack were freed in ceasefire deals.
