Ray of Hope: Hamas to Release Last Known American Hostage as Aid Talks Progress

In a rare development amid the prolonged Gaza conflict, Hamas has declared its intention to release Edan Alexander, the last confirmed living American hostage still held in the enclave. This announcement follows a series of highly positive communications between Hamas and the U.S. administration, sparking cautious optimism about broader peace and humanitarian relief.

Khalil Al-Hayya, the head of Hamas' negotiation team, said the group is ready to start intensive discussions aimed at ending the war. Their plan includes a final ceasefire agreement, an organized prisoner exchange, and establishing a politically neutral authority to manage Gaza’s day-to-day affairs independently and professionally.

The Alexander family, overwhelmed with emotion, called the news the “greatest gift imaginable” on Mother’s Day. They credited President Donald Trump, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and the broader U.S. government for their dedication in helping secure Edan’s freedom. Their message was one of gratitude and renewed hope for others still waiting.

President Trump praised the pending release on Truth Social, calling it “monumental news” and a sign of goodwill from Hamas. He also acknowledged the pivotal roles played by Egypt and Qatar in facilitating this diplomatic breakthrough and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to freeing every American hostage still in captivity.

Although Monday has been floated as a potential release day, insiders familiar with the situation suggest Tuesday is more realistic. Crucially, Israel will not be releasing any prisoners in return. This suggests that Hamas is offering the gesture as part of a broader political and humanitarian effort, not as a negotiation.

In an interview on Hamas-affiliated Al Aqsa TV, Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi stated that they engaged in direct discussions with the U.S. focused on humanitarian access. Witkoff, while describing the talks as indirect, confirmed progress was made. He is expected to arrive in Tel Aviv ahead of the planned release.

U.S. Hostage Affairs Envoy Adam Boehler said he would accompany Edan Alexander’s parents, Adi and Yael, to Israel to welcome their son. Boehler emphasized that the operation was led by a focused team including President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Witkoff, all of whom prioritized Alexander’s release.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed to his government’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that Alexander may be released soon. A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said Hamas had agreed to the release “without compensation or conditions.” This marked a rare diplomatic signal amid continued crossfire and violence.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed the announcement but urged both Israeli and American leaders to push for the return of all hostages. They called this release the beginning of a comprehensive solution, emphasizing Netanyahu’s moral duty and encouraging President Trump to continue pressuring for complete resolutions.

Alexander is among 59 individuals still considered captives in Gaza. Trump recently stated that only 21 are likely still alive, which is slightly lower than Israel’s official figure of 24. This prompted Netanyahu to publicly acknowledge that the status of three hostages remains uncertain, adding to the complexity of negotiations.

Among those already confirmed dead are four American citizens, including married civilians Gadi and Judi Weinstein Haggai and two U.S.-Israeli soldiers. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee described recovering hostages as President Trump’s foremost priority in relation to Israel. His statement reinforced Washington’s long-term involvement in the matter.

Hamas linked Alexander’s release with resumed humanitarian access to Gaza, which has faced a blockade since March 2. UN agencies warn that supplies of food, medicine, and fuel are nearly depleted. World Chef Kitchen reported they can no longer prepare meals and are now redirecting resources to clean water initiatives.

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