Hamas’ announcement to free Israeli-American soldier sparks cautious hope amid war and stalled negotiations
Hamas has announced it will release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, a dual national, taken during the brutal October 7 attacks that ignited the ongoing Gaza war. The militant group made the pledge on Sunday night, offering the first major sign of movement in stalled hostage negotiations as pressure mounts on all sides to end the crisis.
Edan Alexander, a 19-year-old from New Jersey serving in the Israel Defence Forces, was believed to have been captured during Hamas’s coordinated assault on southern Israel. Since then, his family has campaigned relentlessly for his release, joining scores of others who have demanded the safe return of hostages held in Gaza.
Hamas’ statement, broadcast on Al-Aqsa TV and confirmed by a spokesman via Telegram, said the decision was made “as a gesture of goodwill” ahead of expected international mediation. The group did not specify when or where the release would take place but claimed it was in response to “ongoing efforts by friendly nations.”
The announcement comes just days before U.S. President Donald Trump’s highly anticipated visit to the Middle East, where he is expected to push for a wider deal that could end the war and remove Hamas from power in Gaza. The release of a high-profile Israeli-American hostage could ease diplomatic tensions and offer Trump an early success heading into sensitive negotiations with regional leaders.
The Israeli government has yet to publicly respond to Hamas’ statement. However, officials privately confirmed that intelligence services had been tracking signals suggesting a possible release. “This is a positive development, but nothing is final until Edan is home,” said one Israeli official involved in hostage recovery efforts.
In Edan’s hometown of Tenafly, New Jersey, news of the potential release brought cautious optimism. Family members declined to comment directly but released a brief statement through a spokesperson: “We are grateful for the efforts being made on Edan’s behalf and pray for his safe return.”
The move follows weeks of mounting grassroots pressure from Israeli citizens, who have staged daily protests and symbolic demonstrations near the Gaza border. On Saturday night, families of the hostages used giant loudspeakers at the separation fence to call out their loved ones’ names, hoping their voices might carry across the divide. Edan’s name was among those shouted into the night.
International reactions were swift. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo welcomed the announcement, saying, “We are encouraged by this development and will continue to work for the release of all hostages.” Qatar, which has been instrumental in back-channel talks, said it hoped the gesture would “pave the way for a broader humanitarian deal.”
The October 7 attack by Hamas left over 1,200 Israelis dead and saw more than 240 people kidnapped. Since then, only a small number of hostages have been released, most under short-lived ceasefires brokered by Egypt and Qatar. The majority remain unaccounted for, presumed to be held in tunnels or safehouses throughout Gaza.
Hamas’ political leadership has reportedly been under pressure from both its military wing and external allies to find a path toward a ceasefire. Some analysts believe that releasing an Israeli-American like Edan could be a strategic move to gain favour ahead of President Trump’s visit.
Still, many in Israel remain sceptical of Hamas’ motives and warn against viewing this as a sign of major change. “Hamas plays these cards when it suits them,” said a former Mossad official. “This is about timing and leverage, not compassion.”
For now, hope rises — tentatively — among the hostage families. Whether Edan’s release marks the start of a new chapter or a fleeting reprieve will become clear in the days ahead.
