Edan Alexander, the final residing U.S. citizen kidnapped by Hamas terrorists and held hostage for greater than 19 months, can be launched from captivity, Hamas mentioned in a press release Sunday.
The Hamas assertion Sunday night time mentioned the discharge was a part of ongoing mediation efforts to determine a ceasefire, reopen crossings into the Israeli-blockaded territory and resume the supply of help. It doesn’t say when the discharge will occur. Two Hamas officers instructed The Related Press they anticipate the discharge within the subsequent 48 hours.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s workplace mentioned it was conscious of Hamas’ plans to launch Alexander “as a gesture to the People” in a press release to CBS Information on Sunday.
“The USA has knowledgeable Israel that this transfer is predicted to result in negotiations for the discharge of the hostages underneath the unique Witkoff define — which Israel has already accepted,” the workplace mentioned, referencing phrases negotiated by Steve Witkoff, U.S. Particular Envoy to the Center East.
“Israel is getting ready for the likelihood that this transfer will materialize,” the assertion continued. “Based on Israeli coverage, the negotiations will happen underneath hearth with a dedication to attaining all struggle objectives.”
Witkoff confirmed late Sunday in a message to CBS Information that Hamas had agreed to launch Alexander.
Alexander is a 20-year-old Israeli-American soldier who grew up in New Jersey and was a soldier within the Israeli army when Hamas attacked on Oct. 7, 2023. He was kidnapped from the army base the place he was stationed close to the Gaza border, together with 250 individuals taken hostage that day from southern Israel, whereas 1,200 extra had been killed.
President Trump mentioned in a publish on Reality Social on Sunday that he’s “grateful to all these concerned in making this monumental information occur.”
“This was a step taken in good religion in the direction of the US and the efforts of the mediators — Qatar and Egypt — to place an finish to this very brutal struggle and return ALL residing hostages and stays to their family members,” he wrote. “Hopefully that is the primary of these remaining steps crucial to finish this brutal battle. I look very a lot ahead to that day of celebration!”
Hostages and Lacking Households Discussion board Headquarters additionally reacted to the information, saying they’re “embracing and supporting the Alexander household.”
“Ought to this launch be confirmed, the discharge of Edan Alexander should mark the start of a complete settlement that may safe the liberty of all remaining hostages,” it mentioned in a press release.
The group established by the households of the abductees urged Mr. Trump and Netanyahu to carry everybody again.
“You have given the households of all of the hostages hope,” the assertion mentioned. “Please, full your mission and convey all of them dwelling.”
Maya Alleruzzo / AP
As combating escalated on the base that morning, Alexander despatched a message to his mom, telling her that he had shrapnel caught in his helmet from surrounding explosions however discovered a protected space. His household misplaced contact with him after 7 a.m., the Related Press reported.
“He instructed me though issues had been already getting harmful round him. That was the final time I heard my son’s voice. I can not describe the ache of not understanding the place your youngster is or how is he,” Alexander’s mom, Yael Alexander, instructed CBS New York in October.
She and his father, Adi Alexander, met with former President Joe Biden and President Trump late final 12 months to push for a deal that might free the entire hostages nonetheless being held in Gaza. Mr. Trump mentioned earlier this month that fewer than two dozen hostages had been believed to be alive. Alexander was considered amongst them.
As makes an attempt to succeed in a everlasting ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas have drawn on, militants have periodically freed hostages in trade for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. About 100 hostages had been returned to Israel throughout a quick pause in combating in November 2023, simply over a month after the Oct. 7, 2023 assault prompted Israel to declare struggle on Hamas and start bombarding Gaza.
A few of the individuals freed in that first trade mentioned that they had seen Alexander in captivity. His grandmother, Varda Ben Baruch, instructed the Related Press on the time that hostages had mentioned her grandson saved his cool and inspired them that everybody can be launched quickly.
Fewer than 50 residing individuals have been launched from Hamas captivity because the non permanent ceasefire in November 2023. Militants launched 30 of the individuals between January and March of this 12 months, as a part of one other trade settlement with Israel that occurred in a number of levels. Though members of the family of these in ongoing captivity have repeatedly pleaded with American and Israeli leaders to solidify a deal prioritizing the hostages’ protected return, Israel ended its ceasefire with Hamas in March and renewed its offensive in Gaza, the place Palestinian officers mentioned the demise toll has risen to not less than 52,000.
contributed to this report.
