Background with flag of Israel
Tel Aviv [Israel], May 12 (ANI/TPS): Israel is preparing for the expected release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander on Monday, following his 584 days of captivity at the hands of Hamas. This imminent release comes as part of an agreement between Hamas and the United States, with the aim of promoting a ceasefire, reopening border crossings, and allowing humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.
US special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, personally informed Alexander’s parents, Yael and Adi, of the news on Sunday, and they quickly flew to Israel along with US hostage envoy Adam Boehler to be present for their son’s return. Witkoff, who had been in Oman holding nuclear talks with Iran, is also expected to join them.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed that the US had informed Israel of Hamas’ decision to release Alexander “without any compensation or conditions,” calling it a goodwill gesture toward Washington. “According to Israeli policy, the negotiation will take place under fire, with a firm commitment to achieving all the objectives of the war,” Netanyahu’s office stated.
Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old soldier with the IDF’s Golani Brigade, was abducted on October 7, 2023, during Hamas’ attack on Israel. He had volunteered to stay on duty at the Kissufim military post near the Gaza border while others were on leave. Alexander, who was serving as a lone soldier without immediate family in Israel, was captured during this attack.
A spokesperson for Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Hospital confirmed that preparations are being made to receive Alexander upon his release.
Boehler praised the development as “a positive step forward” and reiterated the need for Hamas to release the bodies of four other Americans still held captive.
The Hostage Families Forum, while welcoming Alexander’s release, urged Israeli leadership to remain committed to bringing all hostages home. The forum specifically appealed to Prime Minister Netanyahu to focus on the remaining 58 hostages.
Hamas has indicated its readiness to release all hostages in exchange for an end to the war, but Netanyahu has rejected such proposals, warning that a ceasefire without dismantling Hamas would allow the group to remain in power.
Qatar and Egypt have also welcomed the decision to release Alexander, calling it a “gesture of goodwill” that could serve as an encouraging step toward negotiations, a ceasefire, securing the release of prisoners, and facilitating humanitarian aid for Gaza’s civilians.
The attacks on October 7 resulted in at least 1,180 deaths, with 252 Israelis and foreigners taken hostage by Hamas. Of the 59 remaining hostages, 36 are believed to be deceased.
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