Hamas releases captive soldier Edan Alexander amid Gaza truce efforts
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Hamas frees Israeli soldier and American captive Edan Alexander as part of ceasefire mediation; 58 remain held in Gaza as US intensifies truce efforts.
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American-Israeli captive and Israeli occupation forces soldier Edan Alexander in a video published by al-Qassam Brigades (Screengrab from the al-Qassam Brigades Military Media)
The military wing of Hamas, al-Qassam Brigades, released Israeli soldier and American captive Edan Alexander to the International Committee of the Red Cross on Monday in northern Khan Younis, southern Gaza.
The release coincided with the arrival of US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff at the Re'im military base, where Alexander was reportedly being transferred. Israeli media reported that Alexander is expected to travel to Qatar on Wednesday for a meeting with US President Donald Trump.
Alexander’s release leaves 58 captives still held in the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli reports. Of those, 23 are believed to be alive.
Serious talks yield results
In an official statement, Hamas said that Alexander’s release followed communications with the US administration and falls within broader mediation efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire, opening crossings, and facilitating humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The movement highlighted its high level of flexibility and willingness to engage, stating that “serious and responsible negotiations lead to results in the release of prisoners.”
Hamas also warned that the continued aggression by the Israeli occupation prolongs the suffering of the captives and risks their lives.
The group reaffirmed its readiness to immediately begin negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire agreement, calling for the full withdrawal of the occupation’s forces, the lifting of the blockade, a prisoner exchange, and the reconstruction of Gaza.
In its statement, Hamas urged the US administration to intensify its efforts to end the war on Gaza.
US sidelines 'Israel'
The United States has overtaken the Israeli regime in leading negotiations related to Iran, Ansar Allah, and most recently, the case of Israeli soldier and American captive Idan Alexander, according to Israeli Channel 13.
Citing a US official, Channel 13 reported that following Alexander's release, immediate negotiations are expected to begin to reach a comprehensive agreement. The fate of other captives held in Gaza is now reportedly in the hands of US President Donald Trump, as both Hamas and "Israel" await Washington's next steps.
Israeli media also reported that the US is actively working to recover the remains of four American captives believed to have been killed during the war.
Netanyahu claims Edan Alexander’s release achieved through 'military pressure'
The anticipated release of a US-Israeli captive by Hamas would not lead to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip or the release of Palestinian prisoners, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Monday.
Negotiations for a broader deal to secure the release of all Israeli captives in Gaza would proceed, Netanyahu stated, but would do so “under fire, during preparations for an intensification of the fighting,” according to a statement issued by his office.
Hamas announced on Sunday that it would release Edan Alexander, a US-Israeli soldier held in Gaza, as it confirmed direct talks with the United States toward a potential ceasefire in the war-torn Palestinian territory.
Abu Obeida, the spokesperson of Hamas's al-Qassam Brigades, confirmed that the group has decided to release the 21-year-old Israeli soldier on Monday, without providing further details concerning the process.
