Israeli-American hostage released by Hamas in Gaza

Hamas launched an Israeli-American hostage held captive for 19 months in Israeli forces as part of the efforts to achieve a new transaction to end the fire, the group said.

21 -year -old Edan Alexander served in the Israeli army on the border of Gaza when he was captured by fighters Hamas on October 7, 2023.

On Monday, Israel stopped its military operations in Gaza for a few hours to facilitate transfer. A senior Hamas official told the BBC that the liberation was intended as a gesture of goodwill before the visit of US President Donald Trump to the Middle East on Tuesday.

It is believed that G -n Alexander was the last American national alive, held by Hamas. Trump suggested “congratulations” to his family after his release.

In a statement, his family thanked the President of the United States, but also called on the Israeli government and negotiators to continue working to release 58 other hostages.

Mr. Alexander is the first to be released from Hamas since Israel restarted his military offensive on March 18 after the cessation of the fire at two months ended.

On Monday, he was seen with masked Hamas fighters as he was handed over to the Red Cross workers in the southern city of Gaza in Khan Enis.

He was then transferred to the Israeli authorities to Gaza before reuniting with his family in South Israel. The Israeli military said it was providing a “safe corridor” for the release of G -n Alexander.

A video shared by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu showed that Yale Alexander was talking to his son on the phone.

“You’re strong. You’re protected. You’re home,” she said in the video.

Netanyahu called the return of G -n Alexander a “very moving moment” – and thanked President Trump for his support.

The release was possible due to military pressure on Hamas and “the political pressure exerted by President Trump,” Netanyahu said.

He added that Israel intends to continue with his plans to strengthen his military actions in Gaza and that there would be no termination of fire.

Earlier, Hamas stated that the release of G -n Alexander was intended to facilitate the deal for the entry of humanitarian assistance into the enclave.

Israel is blocking the entry of all foods, medicines and other humanitarian supplies in Gaza for 70 days, which agencies for help say it is a hunger policy and can be a war crime and renew its air bombing and other military operations there in mid -March.

Earlier, Hamas said he would only agree to a deal that included the end of the war. This has been repeatedly rejected by Netanyahu.

Trump is to arrive in the Middle East on Tuesday, and Israel has promised to expand his military offensive against Hamas if a deal is reached by the end of his visit.

Israeli officials said plans for their expanded offensive include the seizure of the whole territory for an indefinite period of time, the forced displacement of the Palestinians to the south and the assistance of assistance with private companies, despite the UN and its humanitarian partners, as they would not cooperate.

Israel must send Katar representatives on Thursday to discuss a proposal for more hostages.

Qatar and Egypt have said that the release of G -n -Alexander is an encouraging sign of potential new conversations for a truce.

Born in Tel Aviv, but raised in New Jersey, G -n -Alexander served in an elite infantry unit on the Gaza border when he was captured by Hamas fighters during the October 7, 2003 attack.

About 1,200 people were killed and 251 hostages were taken. About 58 hostages remain, up to 24 of which are thought to be alive.

It is believed that five of the captives held in Gaza have US citizenship. Alexander is thought to be the last American to be still alive.

Israel’s military campaign was killed by 52,829 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas Health Ministry, including 2720 Palestinians killed in March.