hamas-to-release-israeli-american-hostage-ahead-of-trump-visit

Tensions between the United States and Israel have escalated following speculations that US President Donald Trump may sideline Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for a hostage deal with Hamas.

 

The militant group confirmed it would release Edan Alexander, an American-Israeli hostage held for over 580 days, as a goodwill gesture ahead of Trump’s visit to the region.

 

The release is seen as part of an attempt by Hamas to engage Trump, with the US leader pushing for a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. According to US special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, he informed Alexander’s parents, Yael and Adi, on Sunday about the decision.

 

“The entire family is now on the way to Israel,” Adi Alexander told Ynet news. “We were stunned to receive the call from Witkoff. We knew about the negotiations but not about such a dramatic development.”

 

Adam Boehler, a US official, also tweeted his approval of the release, calling it “a positive step forward,” while urging Hamas to release the bodies of four other Americans taken captive.

Also read: Israel under pressure on Hamas deal as Trump drops conditions

 

Earlier, Hamas had suggested they would release all hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and the swapping of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has been hesitant to engage fully with Hamas, feeling sidelined as several significant diplomatic deals are in play between the US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and potentially Qatar.

 

A source familiar with the matter revealed that Hamas hopes the release of Alexander will prompt Trump to press Netanyahu into accepting the proposed deal.

 

According to the same source, a mediator assured Hamas that Alexander’s release “would go a long way” in achieving Trump’s objective of bringing an end to the Gaza conflict and securing the release of remaining hostages.

 

In a statement, Hamas confirmed that the release of Alexander follows intensified efforts to achieve a ceasefire, allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, and open border crossings.

 

Netanyahu had earlier signalled his openness to the idea of releasing Alexander during Trump’s visit, welcoming the possible developments, and noting that “These are very critical days.”