Gaza: Hamas has announced that they will be releasing dual-national citizen Edan Alexander, according to Al Jazeera.
At the time of his abduction on October 7, 2023, Alexander was serving as an Israeli soldier, and US envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, mentioned that he will arrive in Israel on Monday to facilitate Alexander's return to the United States, where he is also a citizen, as reported by Al Jazeera.
"The US has notified Israel of Hamas's plan to release soldier Edan Alexander as a goodwill gesture towards the Americans, without any conditions or exchanges involved. The US has expressed to Israel that this is expected to lead to discussions regarding the release of hostages based on the initial Witkoff framework, which Israel has already agreed to. Israel is preparing for the possibility that this endeavor will proceed. As per Israel's policy, the negotiations will occur under ongoing military operations, grounded in the commitment to fulfill all war objectives," stated a release from the Israeli Prime Minister's office.
It's important to note that these discussions have taken place behind closed doors between the Americans and Hamas directly. Previously, the Israelis expressed their anger regarding direct negotiations between the two parties, leading the Americans to respond that they did not need anyone's consent to engage in talks when it concerned US captives in Gaza, according to Al Jazeera.
Regarding the remaining 58 captives still held in Gaza, the Israeli populace feels that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is placing his personal and political interests above the lives of those who remain in captivity.
US President Donald Trump, scheduled to arrive in the region on Tuesday, stated in a post on Truth Social, "I am pleased to share that Edan Alexander, an American citizen who has been held hostage since October 2023, is returning to his family. I am thankful to all involved in making this significant news possible. This step was undertaken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators -- Qatar and Egypt -- to conclude this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their families."
"Hopefully, this marks the beginning of those final steps needed to resolve this brutal conflict. I eagerly await that day of celebration!" the post continued.
