Deir al-Balah, May 12: An Israeli-American soldier held in Gaza for over 19 months was released Monday, Hamas confirmed, in a move seen as a goodwill gesture toward the Trump administration and a possible step toward a new ceasefire with Israel.
Edan Alexander was taken during Hamas’ cross-border assault on October 7, 2023, which triggered the current war. His release, confirmed by the Israeli military via the Red Cross, marks the first since Israel ended an eight-week ceasefire in March and resumed heavy bombardment on Gaza.
Israel has pledged to intensify its offensive, aiming to seize territory and displace much of Gaza’s population again. A full blockade on imports prior to the ceasefire’s collapse has worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis, prompting famine warnings.
Of the 250 hostages originally taken, around 59 remain in Gaza, with about 24 believed to be alive.
Many were freed during earlier ceasefire deals.
TV footage showed Alexander’s mother, Yael, at the Reim military base where her son was first taken.
His grandmother said she had baked his favorite foods in anticipation of his return.
U.S. President Donald Trump, set to begin his Middle East visit Tuesday, praised the release as “a step in good faith” and urged further efforts to end the war and secure the release of all hostages.
Though not stopping in Israel, Trump is visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. officials, including envoy Steve Witkoff and Ambassador Mike Huckabee, and ordered a negotiation team to Doha.
However, his office stressed that talks with Hamas would proceed “under fire,” and denied offering any concessions for Alexander’s release, allowing only a “safe corridor.”
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing relatives of captives, welcomed the talks but demanded action.
“While Edan’s release gives us hope, all 58 of our loved ones must come home.
Time is running out,” the group said, backing Trump’s plan for a broader deal.
Netanyahu’s handling of the hostage crisis has drawn criticism.
During his corruption trial, a woman questioned if he was “ashamed” to let the U.S. intervene while Israelis remain captive.
Critics argue Netanyahu’s war policy is politically driven. He insists it’s necessary to defeat Hamas and rescue the hostages.
Since the war began, over 52,800 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Much of Gaza lies in ruins, and 90% of its population has been repeatedly displaced. (PTI)
