Hamas confirmed on Friday that it would release Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old American-Israeli dual national believed to be the last remaining American hostage held in Gaza. The announcement came after the militant group received a proposal from mediators to continue negotiations on the second phase of a ceasefire deal.
In addition to Alexander, Hamas will also return the bodies of four other dual-nationality hostages. Further details were not provided.
Israel has not yet commented on the development.
Recent talks between Hamas leaders and U.S. hostage negotiator Adam Boehler focused on securing the release of Alexander, who served as a soldier with the Israeli military. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff had emphasized earlier in March that Alexander’s release was a “top priority” for the United States.
Mediators from the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt have been working to bridge gaps between Hamas and Israel to resume negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire, which would allow for the release of additional hostages and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. This follows a March 2 decision by Israel to block aid trucks from entering the territory, amid a standoff over the truce.
Since the first phase of the ceasefire began on January 19, fighting in Gaza has stopped, and Hamas has exchanged 33 Israeli hostages and five Thais for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The second phase will focus on talks regarding the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, though Israel insists that the remaining hostages must be freed before further negotiations take place.
