Jerusalem, May 12 (HS): Hamas has announced the release of Edan Alexander, the last American hostage held by the group, but did not specify a release date. The announcement came just days before U.S. President Donald Trump’s anticipated visit to the Middle East. Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas’s chief negotiator, confirmed that the 21-year-old, who holds dual citizenship in Israel and the U.S., would be freed after negotiations with the U.S. However, specific terms of the agreement for his release were not disclosed.
Alexander, originally from Tenafly, New Jersey, was abducted on October 7, 2023, along with 200 others from a military outpost. Trump’s diplomatic tour is set to begin Tuesday, with visits planned to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, though Israel is not included in the itinerary. An American official indicated hope for Alexander’s release on Monday. Key figures in the negotiations include Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with Trump calling the announcement a step taken with goodwill.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
