American-Israeli Edan Alexander Set to be Released Today
An Israeli official says Edan Alexander's freedom was made possible by the IDF’s sustained military pressure on Hamas. President Trump was quick to respond: "A step towards the return of all hostages."
Poster of Edan Alexander | Photo: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90
After more than a year and a half in Hamas captivity in Gaza, abducted IDF soldier Edan Alexander is expected to be released today (Monday) originally set around 12:00 PM Israel time. A secure humanitarian corridor will be established to facilitate Alexander’s safe passage out of the Gaza Strip.
Earlier Reports An Israeli source confirmed to Army Radio a report by Saudi outlet Al-Sharq that “military operations in Gaza will soon pause ahead of Edan Alexander’s release.” As part of the pause, drone flights and airstrikes would be temporarily suspended.
Despite reports of a ceasefire, airstrikes were reported east of Gaza City. According to Arab reports, one person was killed and several others wounded. At the same time, Arab officials told The Wall Street Journal that talks are underway for a broader ceasefire agreement that would include the release of additional hostages and the entry of humanitarian aid.
A Gesture Toward the United States Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy, landed in Israel and is expected to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu and senior officials following the release of kidnapped soldier Edan Alexander. An Israeli official said the release was achieved through military pressure on Hamas, which was forced to make a gesture to the U.S. to prevent an escalation of war. Hamas received nothing in return, and no ceasefire agreement was reached, though a secure corridor was arranged.
An Israeli official told the AP that Witkoff is expected to brief Netanyahu and cabinet ministers on progress in nuclear talks with Iran.
Live Updates
13:21 – Trump: “Edan Alexander, American Hostage Thought Dead, to Be Released from Hamas – Wonderful News” President Trump posted that he was “thought dead,” but Israeli sources said several signs of life had been received from Edan in recent months, including video messages in English directed to Trump.
13:28 – Report: Israel to send a delegation to Egypt to advance deal talks.
13:27 – U.S. official: Broader deal talks will resume immediately after Edan’s release.
13:25 – Reports of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.
12:47 – Witkoff to brief Israeli leadership on Iran nuclear talks.
Heron UAV produced by Israel Aerospace Industries | Photo: Shutterstock
Earlier Updates
12:03 – IDF and police forces are preparing to receive Edan Alexander, who is expected to be released shortly in the Khan Yunis area.
11:24 – The IDF is reducing military activity throughout Gaza to facilitate the safe release process.
10:24 – Official statement from Abu Ubaida, spokesperson for Hamas’s military wing: The hostage Edan Alexander will be released today.
9:50 – Following the release of Edan Alexander: Netanyahu’s testimony in the Case 1000-4000 investigation will conclude at 11:30.
9:41 – Statement from the The Hostages and Missing Families Forum: “In accordance with the estimated time of Edan Alexander’s release, starting at 12:00, we call on the general public to gather at the Hostages’ Square”.
9:34 – Israeli source: Hamas is releasing Edan Alexander to thwart the operation in Gaza. “All preparations from the border inward into the country’s territory have been completed: reception at Re’im, bringing the family, and transport to the hospital. We are awaiting the final and specific coordination that has not yet taken place.
Hamas has played its only card to try and stop Operation Gideon’s Chariots – Edan Alexander – and it is doing so under the pretext of Trump’s visit. Israel’s plans remain unchanged. If there is no willingness to release additional hostages in the coming days, we will continue with Gideon’s Chariots.”
9:31 – Hamas sources: The release is expected to take place today or tomorrow – without a ceremony. Sources within Hamas told the Saudi channel Al-Sharq that Hamas’s military wing will issue a statement today announcing the time of Edan Alexander’s release, which is expected to take place today or tomorrow, “depending on the fulfillment of conditions on the ground.”
“We demanded a halt to all military activities in Gaza during Edan Alexander’s release. We will hand him over to the Red Cross, but the process will not take place without a safe corridor guaranteed by Israel. The release will occur without any public or military ceremonies.”
6:42 AM (IST)– Prime Minister’s Office: Israel has not agreed to any ceasefire or any release of imprisoned terrorists.
“The anticipated release of IDF soldier Edan Alexander without a prisoner exchange is the result of the firm policy we’ve pursued, backed by President Trump, and the sustained military pressure from IDF soldiers in Gaza.”
Edan Alexander’s family Prepare for his release
On this Mother’s Day, it is my honor to travel with Edan Alexander’s mom Yael for reunion of her son from Hamas.
Varda Ben Baruch, Edan Alexander’s grandmother holds a sign that says: “Edani beloved grandson, it’s coming. You were born to be free!” | Photo: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90
US-Hamas Talks
A senior Hamas official told the AP news agency that talks between Hamas and the United States began five days ago. American envoy Steve Witkoff spoke by phone with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Minister Ron Dermer about the deal. Mediators conveyed a message to Hamas: “Give Trump a gift – and he’ll return a much greater one.”
President Trump’s Statement
“I am happy to announce that Edan Alexander, an American citizen who has been held hostage since October 2023, is coming home to his family. I am grateful to all those involved in making this monumental news happen. This was a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators — Qatar and Egypt — to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones. Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict. I look very much forward to that day of celebration!”
President Donald Trump | Photo: Shutterstock
If No Deal Is Reached — Operation “Gideon’s Chariots” Will Begin
Israeli officials have warned that if a broader hostage release deal under the Witkoff framework is not finalized before Trump leaves Washington, Israel will launch a major military campaign — “Operation Gideon’s Chariots.”
