Hamas Frees American-Israeli Hostage in Gaza Before Trump’s Middle East Trip
Hamas has released Edan Alexander, the last known living American hostage held in Gaza.
Alexander, who was taken captive during the October 7 attacks, was transferred to the Red Cross in Khan Younis on Monday. This handover is part of ongoing efforts to revive ceasefire negotiations.
The release is being interpreted as a conciliatory gesture from Hamas toward President Donald Trump ahead of his upcoming visit to the Middle East. The Israel-Hamas conflict is expected to be a primary topic of discussion during the visit.
“We are hopeful that more hostages will be released,” Trump stated to reporters, estimating that approximately 20 of the 58 remaining hostages held by Hamas are still alive.
Mediators are working to achieve a ceasefire, open border crossings, and facilitate the delivery of aid to the Gaza Strip.
Yael, the 21-year-old’s mother, has implored Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to finalize an agreement ensuring the return of all remaining hostages.
“This is not over. More hostages remain in Gaza. We cannot rest or forget; everyone must come home,” she declared upon arriving at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel.
Military activity had been restricted across Gaza to ensure Alexander’s safe transfer.
This marks the first hostage release from Gaza since March, when the initial phase of the most recent ceasefire concluded, followed by renewed conflict.
Alongside ongoing military operations, Israel maintains a near-total blockade of Gaza. Humanitarian aid has been largely blocked from reaching Palestinians for almost two months, prompting international organizations to demand an end to the Israeli blockade.
The 2.1 million residents of Gaza are experiencing severe food insecurity, with one in five facing starvation, according to the World Food Programme.
Dr. Saeed Salah, medical director of the Patients Friends Benevolent Society Hospital in Gaza, has warned of a critical shortage of fuel, oxygen, and equipment, putting numerous critical patients at risk.
“The war must end immediately, and humanitarian and medical assistance must be allowed into Gaza before more lives are lost,” he stated in a message to Medical Aid for Palestinians on May 12.
On May 5, Israel expanded its military operations in Rafah, with the stated aim of eventually occupying the entire Gaza Strip indefinitely.
As part of this operation, Israel intends to implement a new aid distribution system through approved organizations in designated areas.
This plan has drawn criticism from international organizations, including Oxfam, which stated: ” [The plan] contravenes fundamental humanitarian principles and appears designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic – as part of a military strategy. It is dangerous, driving civilians into militarized zones to collect rations.”