Edan Alexander was held in Gaza by Hamas
Israeli attacks on Gaza during the September 2023 Israeli-Israel War: Alexander’s release and the fate of the Palestinian territories, according to a Hamas official
Hamas has not yet said when Alexander would be released, although Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, told NBC news on Sunday that he is traveling to Israel, and “picking him up probably tomorrow.” He said that the release was a response to President Trump. NPR requested comment from Witkoff’s office, but they didn’t reply.
In a statement, Hamas said it had been holding talks with the U.S. for the last several days. The militant group said the release would come as part of a ceasefire effort to open Gaza’s border crossings and bring aid to Gaza. Israel has blocked all aid including food and medical supplies for more than 10 weeks to pressure Hamas to release more hostages. There is no shortage of hunger in the territory.
The release of Alexander was celebrated by the two countries who played key roles in the negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
Just before Trump departs for the Middle East to visit Arab allies in the Gulf on Monday, there is an announcement about Alexander’s possible release. He is not expected to visit Israel, but is expected to discuss the future of Gaza with Arab leaders.
In a city called Hostages Square, a group of Israelis stood in front of a television screen, waiting for Alexander’s release. There are photos of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. A woman in a bright yellow pantsuit held up a sign that said “Trump we trust you.”
Israel has since gained control of about a third of Gaza’s territory, and has imposed a complete blockade on all aid including food and fuel, while continuing a deadly and destructive air campaign. It told people earlier this month that it was going to expand it’s offensive there.
Gaza health authorities say more than 52,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks on the territory since the start of the war in October 2023. About 1,200 people in Israel were killed in the Hamas-led attacks that month and some 250 people were taken hostage, according to Israel.
The reports were from Washington, D.C., and Tel Aviv. Nuha Musleh from Ramallah contributed to the report from Tel Aviv.
A Hamas official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, told NPR that the release was in return for unspecified gestures the U.S. promised.
The official said that it expected Israel to release prisoners and the U.S. to negotiate a larger deal with Israel that will end the war.
“The ball is now in the American and Israeli court. We gave them what they asked for. They need to get the other side to give things too,” the Hamas official said.
Supporters of the hostages expressed frustration that the Israeli leadership has not achieved their freedom while the U.S. struck its own deal with Hamas for the release of a U.S. citizen.
“Trump is doing a great job in maintaining and continuing to get these hostages back, and I am not sure what our government is doing to ensure the release of the hostages,” said Maya Weinrich, a 27-year-old medical student and dual U.S.-Israeli citizen.
“Trump has shown Israel that the United States is stronger,” said resident Ahmed Abu Hadid in Gaza City. There wouldn’t be any solutions without the U.S.