In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Hamas has released Eden Alexander, a 21-year-old dual national of the United States and Israel, after holding him captive in Gaza for 584 days.
According to international media reports, the release came following direct negotiations between Hamas and the United States. As part of the agreement, Eden Alexander was handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which is expected to facilitate his transfer to the Israeli military. From there, he will be reunited with his parents, who arrived from the United States ahead of the handover.
Alexander, an Israeli soldier of American descent, was abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023, during a large-scale attack on Israel. He was among more than 250 hostages taken into Gaza amidst the chaos of that assault. His release marks a rare moment of hope amid the prolonged conflict.
Hamas expressed optimism that this development could serve as a catalyst for reviving stalled ceasefire negotiations in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip. The group said it hoped the gesture would pave the way for broader humanitarian and political progress.
The U.S. special envoy involved in the negotiations described the release as a potential turning point in efforts to end the nearly two-year-long war in Gaza, calling it “a crucial step toward de-escalation and eventual peace.”
Eden Alexander was found to be in good health upon his release, according to Red Cross officials.
This release is seen as a rare outcome of behind-the-scenes diplomacy between Hamas and the Biden administration, which has increasingly intensified efforts to broker a lasting ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
