Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Trump on Truth Social: When Hamas confirms, the Ceasefire will be IMMEDIATELY effective
Trump on Truth Social: After negotiations, 'Israel' has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, which we have shown to, and shared with, Hamas
An al-Quds Brigades field commander to Al Mayadeen: We tell the enemy soldiers that we are not far from you, and you will see our faces whenever we decide to, because we are waging a harsh and complex battle of attrition
An al-Quds Brigades field commander to Al Mayadeen: The enemy is advancing toward the heart of Gaza City under the watchful eyes of our Resistance fighters with their tactics focused on valuable targets
An al-Quds Brigades field commander to Al Mayadeen: The enemy is advancing slowly and using unmanned vehicles to uncover and target combat nodes, which we are aware of
An al-Quds Brigades field commander to Al Mayadeen: We carried out a number of heroic operations, and the enemy, as usual, is lying and misleading the public about its human losses
An al-Quds Brigades field commander to Al Mayadeen: The enemy is making the most of previous battles to minimize its losses
Israeli media: Netanyahu summons Ben-Gvir and Smotrich for immediate meeting
Sheikh Qassem: Trump presented the plan at this time to absolve "Israel" from its crimes before international public opinion
Sheikh Qassem: Trump's plan is, in fact, consistent with the five principles set by Israel to end the war, making it an Israeli plan in American guise

Trump welcomes Edan Alexander’s release as 'Israel' faces discord

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Israeli media
  • 12 May 2025 04:25
  • 3 Shares
3 Min Read

Donald Trump welcomes Hamas's move to release Edan Alexander, a US-Israeli captive, calling it a step toward ending the Gaza war, as "Israel" faces internal criticism.

Listen
  • x
  • Trump welcomes Edan Alexander’s release as 'Israel' faces discord
    United States President Donald Trump departs an event for Military Mothers, in the East Room of the White House, on May 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP)

United States President Donald Trump on Sunday welcomed Hamas' announcement regarding the impending release of US-Israeli captive Edan Alexander, describing it as a "good faith gesture" and a potential step toward ending the ongoing war in Gaza.

"I am grateful to all those involved in making this monumental news happen," Trump wrote on social media. "Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict."

Alexander, 21, holds dual American and Israeli citizenship and was serving with the Israeli occupation forces' Golani Brigade when he was captured during the Palestinian Resistance's Operation Al Aqsa Flood on October 7, 2023. The Trump administration has led efforts to secure his release independently, despite previous talks being led by Israeli authorities, causing controversy in "Israel".

Direct US-Hamas talks lead to breakthrough

The anticipated release of Alexander follows direct negotiations between the United States and Hamas, facilitated by mediators from Qatar and Egypt. These discussions aimed to reignite stalled ceasefire talks and enable humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza. US envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed the agreement, stating that Alexander's release is expected within 48 hours. Notably, "Israel" was not informed in advance about these negotiations, leading to further tensions between the US and the Israeli government.

Hamas indicated that Alexander's release is a goodwill gesture toward the US, coinciding with President Trump's upcoming visit to the Middle East. The group expressed readiness to engage in intensive negotiations aimed at ending the war and establishing a civil administration in Gaza.

Read more: Hamas to free Edan Alexander as part of Gaza deal: Al-Hayya

Related News

Trump envoys Witkoff, Kushner head to Egypt to finalize Gaza deal

The Ellisons take US media power structure by storm, reshape industry

Israeli opposition lashes out at Netanyahu government

The expected release of Alexander drew reactions across the Israeli political spectrum, with several lawmakers criticizing the government’s role in the process.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the development “joyful and emotional,” but warned it must not become an isolated case. “This should lead to a broader deal to bring everyone home,” he said, adding that reports of direct negotiations between Hamas and the United States represent a “disgraceful diplomatic failure” by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

National Unity party chief Benny Gantz said he was heartened by the news but accused the government of inaction. “The heart swells,” he said, “but the stomach turns when seeing a government that lacks initiative and responsibility.”

He stressed that all 59 remaining captives are Israeli citizens and that the duty to bring them back rests with the government.

“This is deeply troubling,” said MK Chili Tropper. “A soldier in uniform returns home thanks to a foreign country, not his own,” Tropper asserted.

MK Ohad Tal added that the situation proves a foreign passport has become a lifeline.

Captives' families demand decisive action

Families of captives leading the Begin protest movement said they were happy about Alexander’s release but alarmed that it took foreign pressure to secure it.

“From a time when Trump’s pressure brought releases, we’ve now moved to releases for Trump,” they said.

They urged the Israeli government to act decisively. “It seems the government has no role or interest in returning its citizens,” they added. “It’s time to end the war and bring everyone home.”

Read more: Once in lockstep, Trump and Netanyahu no longer in sync: NYT

  • United States
  • Edan Alexander
  • Palestine
  • Israel
  • Israeli occupation forces
  • Hamas
  • Gaza
  • Donald Trump
  • Israeli captives

Most Read

Hamas fighters stand in formation ahead of a ceremony to hand over Israeli captives to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, Gaza Strip, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP)

Hamas reviews Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan as PIJ rejects

  • Palestine
  • 30 Sep 2025
Iraq at a crossroads: A new war front?

Iraq at a crossroads: A new war front?

  • West Asia
  • 30 Sep 2025
Trump’s 21-point Gaza plan vs Netanyahu’s demand for Hamas defeat

Trump vows 'something special' in ME; Israeli delegation in chaos

  • US & Canada
  • 28 Sep 2025
A Hamas fighter in combat fatigues stands before the ceremony for the handover of Israeli captives to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, February 22, 2025 (AP)

Hamas responds to Trump plan, backs Gaza withdrawal, exchange

  • Politics
  • 3 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
Saudi-Pakistan defense pact reshapes Gulf balance rattles India.
Politics

Saudi-Pakistan defense pact reshapes Gulf balance rattles India

Taliban foreign minister granted UN waiver for landmark India visit
Politics

Taliban foreign minister granted UN waiver for landmark India visit

An Iranian police officer stands guard during the funeral ceremony of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard, at Azadi (Freedom) St. in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP)
Politics

Iran executes six 'Israel'-linked terrorists behind deadly attacks

World leaders hail Hamas’ response to Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan
Politics

World leaders hail Hamas’ response to Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS