Hamas Releases US-Israeli Hostage Edan Alexander Ahead of Trump’s Middle East Tour

Palestinian militant group Hamas handed over Edan Alexander, the last American citizen held captive in Gaza since October 7, 2023, just before US President Donald Trump arrived for a Middle East tour.

The release—attributed to direct talks with US officials and part of broader ceasefire efforts—was hailed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who credited both Trump’s diplomatic pressure and Israel’s military actions.

While Netanyahu reaffirmed no formal truce was signed beyond a safe-release corridor, Hamas urged continued negotiations to end the “brutal war,” warning that hostilities only deepens the remaining hostages’ suffering.

With 57 of the 251 October captives still in Gaza, 34 confirmed dead, and Gaza’s death toll surpassing 52,000, Alexander’s release offered a glimmer of hope toward de-escalation.