Gaza war: Hamas to release US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander amid ceasefire talks with Washington
World news | Hamas announces release of US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander amid ongoing ceasefire talks with the US, marking a significant development in Gaza conflict.
Hamas, in a significant development in the ongoing Gaza conflict, has announced that it would release a US-Israeli hostage, as it revealed that it was engaged in direct talks with the United States in ceasefire negotiations.
"Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, a dual US national, will be released as part of efforts towards a ceasefire," said Hamas in its statement, as reported by AFP.
Gaza militants still hold 58 people hostage, including 34 believed to be dead.
Who is Edan Alexander?
As per the Palestinian militant group, the hostage, Edan Alexander, was an Israeli soldier and a dual US national.
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Too heavy to lift?': How the USS Abraham Lincoln carries so many bombs and missiles
)
Was Jeffrey Epstein really involved in cannibalism? Here's what DOJ files reveal
Water, electricity, food & warfighting: How USS Gerald R. Ford keeps thousands alive and combat-ready at sea
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Electronic blackout’: How 15 Growler jets from USS Gerald R. Ford & USS Abraham Lincoln can blind Iran’s entire radar network
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Equal to four times around the globe’: How the USS Abraham Lincoln traveled over 100,000 miles without refueling
)
Epstein files show that an email dated one week after the 9/11- “Where is the real pilot?”
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT Releases this week (February 16-22, 2026): Kennedy, 56 Days, Pavane- 8 latest movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
Iran says potential energy, mining and aircraft deals on table in talks with US
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Canada trans shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar was 'hunting,' say police; Disturbing details of mass shooting continue to emerge
)
Epstein files revive Joe Biden body double claim previously shared by Trump
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How the destroyers around the USS Abraham Lincoln can track 100 targets at once
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Epstein documents mention Madeleine McCann, British child missing since 2007. Here’s what witness saw
)
Missing Indian student Saketh Sreenivasaiah found dead in US; friend says he had ‘stopped caring’
EMALS & AAG: How USS Gerald R. Ford can launch 160 aircraft in 24 hours for faster, stronger, smarter air operations
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘4 football fields at sea’: Inside the size & power of world’s largest carrier USS Gerald R. Ford now set for Iran’s waters
The group described the release as part of efforts to reach a ceasefire and reopen humanitarian aid crossings into the war-ravaged territory.
21-year-old Israeli soldier Edan Alexander's family confirmed they had been notified that he might be released "in the coming days."
US President Donald Trump, on Truth Social, hailed the development as "monumental news", calling it a "good faith gesture" and an encouraging sign that negotiations may soon bear fruit.
"Hopefully, this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict," he added.
In a joint statement, Egypt and Qatar — key mediators in the long-running negotiations — also welcomed the move as "a gesture of goodwill and an encouraging step toward a return to the negotiating table".
Speaking to AFP, a Hamas official confirmed that there was "progress made ... notably on the entry of aid to the Gaza Strip" during discussions with US representatives.
Israeli airstrikes continue in Gaza
Despite the optimism, Israeli airstrikes continued across Gaza, reports AFP. The enclave's civil defence agency reported at least 12 deaths on Sunday, including four children, in ongoing bombardments of Khan Yunis and Gaza City.
Israel has once again vowed to keep fighting. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office reaffirmed that any future "negotiations will take place under fire, with a commitment to achieving all the objectives of the war".
Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Hamas to free Edan Alexander, last US hostage amid truce talks
