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Edan Alexander Release: Who is Edan Alexander? U.S.-Israel hostages to be released by Hamas after more than 500 days in Gaza location

Hamas announced that it will release Israeli-American Defense Forces soldier Edan Alexander on Monday. Alexander spent 583 days in captivity, and his release was part of an effort to reach a broader ceasefire and humanitarian aid agreement under international and domestic pressure.Alexander, 21, is considered the last living U.S. citizen to be held at a Gaza location. In a campaign led by Hamas in southern Israel, 251 people were considered hostages in Gaza. Among them, 59 people were still kidnapped as hostages, and only 24 of them were still alive.

Edan Alexander’s release is related to ceasefire hope

Hamas declared that Alexander’s release was a gesture to Americans to promote humanitarian aid and proposed negotiations for a ceasefire. The group also said they need food, medicines and supplies in Gaza that have been around for 70 days in total lockdown under Israel’s lockdown.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the development on his Truth-Social Platform, calling it “commemorative news.” He announced that he would visit the Middle East on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, a senior Palestinian official told the BBC that direct negotiations between U.S. officials and Hamas are taking place in Qatar.


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Israel agrees to Edan Alexander releases “safety corridor”

Israeli military operations will be reportedly stopped at a meeting to finalize Alexander’s release on Monday, May 12. However, they did not promise a ceasefire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said military pressure made the release of Idan possible. If a broader deal is not reached at the end of Trump’s visit, they vow to continue their operations in Gaza.

Who is Edan Alexander?

Alexander was born in Tel Aviv and grew up in New Jersey. The 21-year-old is a dual citizen.

He made Aliyah at the age of 18 and joined the Golani brigade of the Israeli military. He kidnapped Hamas on October 7, 2023 at a base near the Gaza border because he volunteered to stay during the Sukkot holiday.

His family recalled that Itan had said that if he didn’t go, others would have to do it.

Meanwhile, Alexander’s family was delighted and said the news was the greatest gift imaginable. They thank the U.S. government and urged efforts to release all remaining hostages.

His family said their lives had ceased after the kidnapping. As quoted by the Jerusalem Post, his father said that if he could talk to his son, he would tell him (Alexander) that everyone missed him.

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Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies raised concerns about the situation in Gaza, as millions of civilians died since the Israeli offensive resumed in March.

FAQ

Why is Edan Alexander’s release important?
Edan Alexander is the last American Israeli citizen among the hostages in Gaza. His release could open the way for talks to resume ceasefires and the entry of humanitarian AIDS, especially given President Trump’s high-profile visit to the region.

How many people have died in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas conflict began?
On October 7, 2023, Hamas-led militants died in Israel and kidnapped 251 people. In retaliation, Israel’s military movement in Gaza caused more than 52,653 people, according to Palestinian health authorities.

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