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By Jason Lemon and Mandy Taheri
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Hamas said on Sunday that it had reached an agreement with the United States to release dual American Israeli national Edan Alexander, as part of efforts towards establishing a ceasefire and opening Israeli border crossings for humanitarian aid to enter.
His release is expected within 48 hours, two Hamas officials told The Associated Press. Newsweek obtained Hamas' statement from Khalil al-Hayya in Arabic.
Newsweek has reached out to the Israeli prime minister's office for comment via email on Sunday.
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Why It Matters
Alexander is the last living American hostage taken by Hamas from their October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, during which about 250 people were abducted and 1,200 were killed. Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., has used the captives in negotiations for multiple temporary ceasefires amid the war.
The ongoing Israel-Gaza war has led to mass destruction, death, and famine in the enclave. At least 1.9 million people—about 90 percent of the population in Gaza—have been internally displaced by Israeli bombardments, according to the United Nations. Israel's ground and air bombardments have killed more than 52,800 Palestinians, per the Gaza Health Ministry.
Alexander's release comes just ahead of President Donald Trump's Middle East tour, where he is notably not scheduled to visit Israel.
What To Know
Hamas said in a Sunday statement that Alexander, whom it identified as an "Israeli solider with dual American-Israeli citizenship," will be released. Alexander, who is now 21 years old, was raised in New Jersey. After graduating high school, he moved to Israel in 2022 and enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). He was taken by Hamas from an Israeli military base on October 7.
Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, confirmed that an agreement had been reached to NBC News. The Trump official also said he is traveling to Israel to facilitate and secure his release.
"We are picking him up probably tomorrow," he told NBC News. "There was a long negotiation with lots of people to thank."
The Israeli government wrote on the prime minister's official X, formerly Twitter, account: "The US has informed Israel of Hamas's intention to release soldier Edan Alexander as a gesture to the Americans, without conditions or anything in exchange."
The statement, in which Hamas says they are ready to "immediately start intensive negotiations," come as Israel continues its bombardment of Gaza. On Sunday, 15 people were killed, according to the AP, citing Gaza's Health Ministry, which said most of the dead were women and children. Israel has maintained throughout the war that it targets militants and seeks to avoid civilian casualties—an unrealistic reality given that many Gazans are living in tent encampments, seeking care in hospitals, and living in densely populated areas.
The last ceasefire saw the release of more than 30 hostages.
Most Palestinians in the enclave are struggling to survive without basic necessities, as their homes and essential infrastructure lie in ruins, making aid deliveries essential.
Israel has blocked aid from crossing into Gaza since it broke the ceasefire in March. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported in early May that more than 80 community kitchens have been forced to shut since late April, due to lack of supplies. There are growing fears of widespread famine and starvation in Gaza.
Hamas' announcement of Alexander's potential release has been welcomed and celebrated by many.
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What People Are Saying
Edan Alexander's family said in a Hebrew statement released by the Israeli Hostages and Missing Families Forum on Sunday: "The family confirms that it has been informed of Hamas's announcement and that it is in constant contact with the American government regarding the possibility of Edan's expected release in the coming days...No hostage, male or female, must be left behind."
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday: "I am happy to announce that Edan Alexander, an American citizen who has been held hostage since October 2023, is coming home to his family. 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!"
Representative Josh Gottheimer, a New Jersey Democrat, wrote in an X post on Sunday ahead of the announcement: "Ahead of @POTUS Trump's trip to the Middle East, I'm urging him to prioritize the release of 21-year-old Edan Alexander, the last surviving American hostage — and my constituent."
Representative Frank Pallone, a New Jersey Democrat, wrote in an X post: "I am deeply grateful Edan Alexander is alive but as with everything Hamas has claimed, we will believe he is truly free only when he is safely home in New Jersey with his family. For more than 19 months since October 7, 2023 Edan and his family have endured unimaginable psychological torture, living every day with fear, grief, and uncertainty. We must never look away from the cruelty of Hamas or forget the strength it took for Edan to hold on through it all. I will keep fighting until every last hostage is brought home."
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a nonprofit organization that combats antisemitism, wrote in a Sunday X post: "Hamas announced it will release Edan Alexander, an American-Israeli kidnapped on 10/7. We pray for his safe & immediate return & remain cautious given Hamas' past tactics of terror & psychological warfare. It's not over until Edan & the 58 other hostages are home."
What Happens Next
About 60 hostages remain in Gaza, with roughly one-third believed to still be alive, according to the AP.
Israel's statement makes clear there will be no temporary ceasefire while negotiating, writing on X: "In accordance with Israel's policy, the negotiations will be held under fire, based on the commitment to achieve all of the objectives of the war."
Trump is set to depart on his Middle East tour on Monday, making stops in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. It will be his first official foreign diplomatic trip since retaking office. Earlier this month, he attended Pope Francis' funeral in Italy.
Update 5/11/25, 6 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 5/11/25, 6:41 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with Trump's social media post.
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