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U.S. President Donald Trump commented early Monday on the expected release of captured soldier Edan Alexander, writing on his social media platform TruthSocial: "I am pleased to announce that Edan Alexander, an American citizen held hostage since October 2023, is returning to his family."
Trump added: “I am grateful to all those involved in making this monumental news happen. This was a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators — Qatar and Egypt — to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones. Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict. I look very much forward to that day of celebration!”
Prime Minister’s Office said Sunday that Hamas intends to release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander as a gesture to the United States, without demanding compensation or conditions.
The announcement came about an hour after Hamas confirmed the planned release, which Israeli officials say stems from direct talks between the United States and the terror group, without Israeli involvement.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, U.S. officials told Israel the move is expected to open the door to negotiations for a broader hostage release under the original Witkoff framework—a proposal Israel has already accepted. Israel is preparing for the possibility of the initiative moving forward.
“Under Israel’s policy,” the statement said, “negotiations will take place under fire, with a full commitment to achieving all the objectives of the war.”
Alexander, who holds dual Israeli and American citizenship, is one of dozens of hostages still held in Gaza. His planned release follows intense American diplomatic pressure. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made clear that Israel will not offer concessions, including a prisoner release or a ceasefire, in return for Alexander’s freedom.
Hamas said earlier Sunday that it was ready to “immediately begin intensive negotiations” for a comprehensive agreement to end the war, release hostages and prisoners, and establish an independent governing authority for Gaza. The group said it seeks “long-term calm and stability, reconstruction, and the lifting of the blockade,” and praised the mediation efforts of Qatar, Egypt and Turkey. Hamas sources said Alexander was set to be released at noon on Monday.
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The Hostage and Missing Families Forum, a leading advocacy group, welcomed the announcement but said it must mark the beginning of a broader deal.
“Idan’s return must mark the start of a single agreement to bring back all 59 hostages,” the group said in a statement. “There is only one moral and necessary deal: the immediate return of all hostages and an end to the war. This is an emergency call. The responsibility lies with the Israeli government. No one must be left behind.”
According to the Witkoff framework, announced after the first phase of negotiations in early March, a 50-day cease-fire would begin with the release of about half the remaining hostages—11 living and 19 deceased. During that period, negotiations for a permanent cease-fire would take place. If an agreement is reached, the remaining hostages will be released.