Hamas has claimed that it is preparing to release 21-year-old Israeli hostage Edan Alexander.
According to reports from Reuters, the terror group said in a statement: “Hamas has been in contact with the US administration over the past few days.
"The movement has expressed a high degree of positivity, and the release of Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, a dual US citizen, will be part of the steps being taken to achieve a ceasefire, open the crossings, and allow aid and relief to reach our people in the Gaza Strip."
The agreement to free Alexander, who is believed to be the last living American citizen held in Gaza, came following talks with the Trump administration's special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.
Alexander's family confirmed the development to Israel's Channel 12, saying earlier on Sunday, "We are waiting for Hamas's announcement, and Witkoff updated us that this is expected to happen."
A Hamas terrorist source cited by local media said that Alexander would be released within 48 hours, after his parents and Witkoff arrive in Israel.
In April, Hamas claimed that they had lost contact with the group holding Alexander and in Decemeber 2024, a proof of life video released by Hamas was described as "cruel psychological warfare," by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Israel was reportedly not a party to the negotiations that led to the deal and will not be required to free terrorists in return for his freedom.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told lawmakers of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Sunday that there was a chance that Hamas would release Alexander as a "tribute" to Trump ahead of his Middle East tour, which is scheduled to start Monday, Hebrew media reported, citing the confidential discussion.
