Jerusalem, (EFE).- Hamas’ armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, has released US-Israeli dual national Edan Alexander, a soldier held hostage in Gaza, the group announced Tuesday.
In a statement, Hamas said Alexander’s release was “part of the ongoing efforts by mediators to reach a ceasefire, open the crossings, and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.”
The group added that further hostage releases are possible if serious negotiations resume. “With serious negotiations, more captives can be freed. But continued aggression will only prolong their suffering, and may even kill them,” Hamas warned.
Unlike previous hostage releases, there was no public ceremony or announcement.
Local media broadcast images of Red Cross vehicles driving toward the pickup point in Gaza.
The Israeli military confirmed that the Red Cross had informed them it had received a hostage and was in the process of transferring him to the Israeli forces in Gaza.
The military did not initially name Alexander, but later confirmed his identity.
US plays as mediator between Israel and Hamas
Hamas described the release as a goodwill gesture toward the United States, one of the key mediators in the ongoing talks between Israel and Hamas. “We showed positivity and great flexibility in our conversations with US officials,” the group said.
The release coincides with the visit to Israel by the White House Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and comes a day before President Donald Trump’s planned tour of several countries in the region.
Hamas reiterated its willingness to “immediately begin negotiations for a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire.”
The proposed include a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, the end of the blockade, a prisoner exchange, and the reconstruction of the devastated enclave.
“We urge the Trump istration to continue its efforts to end this brutal war waged by the war criminal Netanyahu against children, women, and defenseless civilians in Gaza,” the statement emphasized./en/latest-news/2025-05-05/israeli-hostage-families-denounce-gaza-operation-expansion-urge-deal-with-hamas/
Edan Alexander was taken hostage during the Oct. 2023 escalation between Israel and Hamas. EFE
mt-jdg/seo
