[MIDDLE EAST] Hamas has released the final U.S. citizen it had been holding in Gaza, soldier Edan Alexander, in a move that Donald Trump has described as a “good faith step” aimed at advancing peace efforts and securing the release of all remaining hostages. Alexander, a 20-year-old dual U.S.-Israeli national serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), had been in captivity for 584 days after being abducted from his base on October 7, 2023. His release was coordinated largely on the ground with minimal Israeli involvement.
Previously, Hamas had indicated that releasing Alexander could serve as a sign of goodwill, potentially paving the way for a ceasefire, the reopening of borders, and the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The timing of the release is significant, coming just one day before President Trump’s planned trip to the Middle East, where he is expected to intensify efforts to halt Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza. The conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with aid to Gaza being cut off for several weeks.
While no ceasefire was declared for the handover, Israel paused its military operations from midday to facilitate the release. International experts have warned that half a million Palestinians in Gaza face the threat of starvation due to the ongoing siege.
Alexander’s release is a significant milestone in the hostage situation, as it marks the first time in over a year and a half that no Americans are held hostage in Gaza. However, at least 58 hostages remain in captivity, with 20 believed to be alive. Upon his release, Alexander, dressed in civilian clothes, was handed over to a Red Cross official before being transported to the Israeli border, where his family, who had flown in from the U.S., awaited him after initial medical evaluations.
Both the U.S. and Israeli governments have welcomed Alexander's release, although their positions on the conflict remain at odds. Trump has underscored the importance of negotiating an end to the fighting, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that military pressure is the key to ensuring the safe return of hostages. According to reports from Israel’s Kan television, Alexander, after his release, described being held handcuffed with other hostages inside a cage in a tunnel.
Hamas, in a statement, said it freed Alexander following discussions with the U.S. administration, highlighting the potential for a ceasefire, border openings, and humanitarian relief for Gaza’s population. The release also underscores a growing debate within Israel about the continuation of the war. A recent poll by Israel’s Channel 12 indicated that nearly 70% of Israelis support ending the conflict in exchange for the release of the remaining hostages.
Trump celebrated the release in a post on Truth Social, expressing congratulations to Alexander’s family. In an earlier message, he described the release as a “step taken in good faith” towards ending the brutal war and bringing all hostages and remains back to their families.
Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked Trump for his role in securing Alexander’s release but also credited Israel’s military strategy and ongoing pressure for the outcome. Netanyahu reiterated his belief that military force remains the best avenue for the safe return of hostages, despite Trump’s calls for a negotiated resolution.
Alexander’s release comes just before Trump’s first trip to the Middle East since his re-election, although Israel has been notably absent from his itinerary. This omission follows a series of public rebukes from Trump’s administration toward Israeli leadership. However, Trump’s ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, denied any tensions between the U.S. and Israel, emphasizing the alignment of both nations’ goals.
Qatar and Egypt, which mediated the release, have described it as a positive step toward new ceasefire discussions. Netanyahu also indicated that Israeli negotiators were being sent to Doha to explore potential agreements, even as preparations for a new Israeli offensive in Gaza continue.
As Israel faces pressure from both international and domestic sources, Netanyahu’s government finds itself navigating between Trump’s push for a diplomatic solution and the influence of far-right coalition partners advocating for continued military action. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a staunch supporter of the war, has called for the total destruction of Gaza and the displacement of its Palestinian population.
Despite Trump’s past endorsement of harsh measures against Palestinians, he has refrained from publicly criticizing Netanyahu, potentially banking on the strong backing Israel enjoys from Trump’s Republican base. With other pressing global issues on Trump’s plate, from the war in Ukraine to trade talks with China, Netanyahu may hope the U.S. president’s attention will shift away from Gaza even as hostilities persist.
In Israel, crowds gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square to view footage of Alexander’s release and call for the return of the other hostages still held in Gaza. Trump later stated that only 20 hostages remain alive, a figure not independently confirmed by the Israeli government. Family members and supporters continue to demand that the Israeli government push for a breakthrough to bring the remaining 58 hostages home.
Some relatives of the hostages were less diplomatic in their reactions. Einav Zangauker, mother of Matan Zangauker, who had been held alongside Alexander, harshly criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the situation, calling him an “angel of death” and calling for mass protests to force his resignation. Zangauker condemned the Israeli leader’s decision to escalate the war rather than work towards a peaceful resolution, accusing him of prioritizing military action over saving lives.
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