Hamas has announced it will release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, 21, as part of an effort to advance negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza and enable the delivery of humanitarian aid. Alexander, believed to be the only remaining US citizen alive among the hostages in Gaza, was captured by Hamas during the 7 October 2023 attack on southern Israel.

The decision comes just ahead of former President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to the Middle East on Tuesday. Hamas stated that Alexander’s release is a goodwill gesture meant to encourage renewed negotiations and allow for the entry of essential supplies into Gaza, which has endured a full Israeli blockade for 70 days.

According to a senior Hamas official speaking to the BBC, direct negotiations have been taking place with a US official in Qatar. A further meeting is planned for early Monday to finalize Alexander's release, which would require a brief halt in Israeli military operations and a pause in aerial activity during the handover.

The Israeli Prime Minister's office confirmed that while it has not agreed to a ceasefire, it has approved a "safe corridor" for Alexander's release. The statement also emphasized that the decision came amid continued military pressure on Hamas and that Israel remains committed to achieving all objectives of the war.

Alexander, who was born in Tel Aviv and raised in New Jersey, was serving in an elite Israeli infantry unit when he was taken hostage. Out of the 251 hostages abducted by Hamas last October, 58 are still believed to be held in Gaza, with only about two dozen thought to be alive. Five are US citizens; Alexander was reportedly the only one still confirmed alive.

President Trump confirmed the news via a Truth Social post, calling it “monumental news” and “a step taken in good faith.”

Alexander’s family expressed overwhelming relief, stating: “We received the greatest gift imaginable—news that our beautiful son Edan is returning home after 583 days in captivity.” They thanked President Trump, advisor Steve Witkoff, and US officials for their efforts, and urged continued negotiations to free the remaining hostages.

Egypt and Qatar welcomed the development, calling it an “encouraging step toward renewed talks.” Hamas also reiterated its aim of reaching a permanent ceasefire and enabling the flow of food, medicine, and aid into Gaza.

The Israeli government, however, remains firm in its stance that hostilities will continue until its military objectives are met. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously rejected ceasefire deals that include an end to the war, a condition Hamas insists upon.

Tensions are rising amid reports of growing frustration within the Trump administration over Netanyahu’s refusal to compromise. Domestically, the Israeli leader faces mounting criticism, with accusations that he is prolonging the conflict for political gain.

Israel has threatened to escalate its military campaign if no agreement is reached by the end of Trump’s visit. Plans reportedly include expanding territorial control, forcibly displacing Palestinians, and privatizing aid distribution—moves condemned by the UN and humanitarian organizations as potentially weaponizing relief.

For 70 days, Israel has blocked all aid to Gaza, which humanitarian groups warn amounts to starvation tactics and may constitute a war crime. The blockade, alongside a renewed Israeli offensive since March, has killed 2,720 Palestinians according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The United Nations has documented 10,000 cases of acute malnutrition among children, with food prices in Gaza soaring up to 1,400%.

The conflict stems from Hamas’s deadly assault on southern Israel last October, which killed 1,200 people and resulted in the kidnapping of more than 250. To date, 59 hostages remain in Gaza.

Israel’s military response has left over 52,800 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza health authorities.