DaysofPal- The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) announced on Monday its decision to release Israeli soldier Eitan Alexander, who holds U.S. citizenship and is believed to be the last living American detainee in Gaza.
A spokesman for the Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, declared via Telegram, “The Al-Qassam Brigades have decided to release the Zionist soldier with US citizenship, Eitan Alexander, today,” without providing further details.
Alexander, 21, originally from New Jersey, serves in the Israeli army and will be released in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza. His release will bring the total number of prisoners freed under the ceasefire agreement to 39, despite the fragile nature of the truce, which began on January 19 and collapsed when Israeli military operations resumed in March. Israeli media confirmed that a military helicopter had landed in Reim near Gaza in preparation for his return.
This move came as part of ongoing discussions aimed at reviving ceasefire efforts. On Sunday, Khalil al-Hayya, head of Hamas in Gaza and of its negotiating delegation, revealed that Hamas has been engaged in direct contact with the U.S. administration in recent days.
“As part of the efforts made by the mediating brothers to achieve a ceasefire, the Movement has been in contact with the US administration,” he said. Al-Hayya emphasized Hamas’ flexibility and added: “Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, who has dual US citizenship, will be released as part of the steps taken to achieve a ceasefire, open the crossings, and allow aid and relief to reach our people in the Gaza Strip.”
Hamas confirmed in an official statement that it had been in contact with the U.S. administration over the past few days and that the latter had “responded positively.”
The movement reiterated its readiness “to immediately begin intensive negotiations to reach a final agreement to end the war, exchange prisoners, and establish independent professional administration of the Gaza Strip,” along with commitments to reconstruction and ending the long-standing blockade.
Netanyahu faces political blow over U.S.–Hamas talks
US President Donald Trump praised on Sunday the announcement by the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) of its intention to release American-Israeli hostage Eitan Alexander, saying that the war in Gaza was brutal.
“I am grateful to everyone who contributed to this historic news,” Trump wrote in a post on social media, describing the release of the hostage as a “goodwill gesture.”
“We hope that these are the first of the final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict,” he added, expressing his hope for the release of all prisoners and an end to the fighting.
Washington’s envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Poler, also acknowledged the release as “a positive step forward,” urging Hamas to go further by returning the bodies of four other Americans.
U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Wiltky added to the pressure, telling Israeli media, “The United States wants the prisoners returned from Gaza, but Israel does not want to end the war.”
The shifting tone of U.S. diplomacy has rattled the Israeli political landscape. Particularly significant was Trump’s public thanks to Qatar and Egypt for their mediation efforts while failing to mention Israel. According to Ori Goldberg, an Israeli commentator on political affairs, “Trump is basically saying to Netanyahu, ‘I’ve done this; this is my duty; now you’re on your own.’”
Goldberg emphasized the broader implications of this shift: “The detachment of Israeli interests from American interests is an earthquake. Trump is signaling to the rest of the world that Israel is cut off from the herd and that Israel stands alone and is responsible for its actions.” He noted that this leaves Israel more vulnerable to international scrutiny and legal accountability.
The Israeli opposition was quick to seize on the diplomatic fallout. Yair Lapid, opposition leader, said the news of direct U.S.–Hamas negotiations reflects a “grave political failure” on the part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Yair Golan, leader of the Israeli Democratic Party, went further, accusing Netanyahu of abandoning Israeli captives “to the mercy of foreign powers” and demanded that all hostages be returned without delay.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry stated that Egypt and Qatar applauded Hamas’ declaration that it had reached an agreement to free an American hostage that the organization was holding.
It added that Qatar and Egypt consider Hamas’ move a gesture of goodwill and an encouraging step towards the return of the parties to the ceasefire negotiations and affirm their continued efforts in the mediation file in coordination with Washington to prepare for a comprehensive de-escalation.
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