The Iran-backed terror organization Hamas declared it will release American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, 21, in a calculated move to reignite ceasefire negotiations with Israel—just as President Donald Trump prepares to visit the Middle East this week.
Alexander, a dual U.S. citizen from New Jersey, was abducted on October 7, 2023, during the brutal Hamas-led invasion that left over 1,200 Israelis dead and hundreds kidnapped.
He has been described as the last known American hostage still alive in Hamas custody.
While Hamas stopped short of providing a firm release date, insiders told Reuters that the release is expected Tuesday.
According to the news outlet, exiled Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya stated that the efforts to secure the hostage’s release have been coordinated jointly by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.
“The movement affirms its readiness to immediately start intensive negotiations and make serious efforts to reach a final agreement to end the war, exchange prisoners in an agreed-upon manner,” Hayya added.
Sky News also reported that the terror group issued a statement, stating, “Hamas has been in contact with the US administration over the past few days.”
“The movement has expressed a high degree of positivity, and the release of Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, a dual US citizen, will be part of the steps being taken to achieve a ceasefire, open the crossings, and allow aid and relief to reach our people in the Gaza Strip.”
The announcement coincides with President Trump’s four-day high-profile visit to the Middle East starting Monday.
This marks his first major foreign visit of his second term, with planned stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
The primary focus of this trip is to secure substantial economic investments and strengthen business ties between the United States and these Gulf nations.
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