Update: Hamas Plans to Release Edan Alexander Following U.S. Discussions

Hamas terrorists stated Sunday that they will release Edan Alexander, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen held hostage in Gaza, following recent conversations with American representatives. The statement follows unconfirmed reports that the terrorists had decided to do so as a way of influencing President Donald Trump’s mideast policy.

According to the terrorists, the planned release is part of what it called “intensified efforts to achieve a ceasefire, open border crossings, and allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.”

Though no official timeline has been provided, sources familiar with the negotiations told The Times of Israel that Alexander’s release could come as early as Monday.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the development: “The US has informed Israel that Hamas will release hostage Edan Alexander ‘without any compensation or conditions,’ and as a gesture of goodwill to the US.”

The Prime Minister’s Office further noted that this step is anticipated to “lead to negotiations for the release of additional hostages, based on the original Witkoff framework—which Israel has already accepted.”

While arrangements are being made for additional releases, the PMO emphasized that “in accordance with Israeli policy, the negotiations will take place under fire, with a firm commitment to achieving all the objectives of the war.”

To facilitate the release, certain operational pauses may be required, such as suspending IDF activities and drone surveillance over specific areas of Gaza.

A source familiar with the talks revealed that U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff worked through intermediaries to negotiate indirectly with senior Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya to secure Alexander’s freedom.

The terrorist group characterizes the broader deal, swapping hostages for Palestinian terrorism prisoners as a “prisoner exchange.”

While Israeli officials were not notified of the agreement until after its finalization, Israeli intelligence had been monitoring general developments behind the scenes.

One source explained that Hamas hopes this move will be interpreted as a goodwill gesture toward the Trump administration, potentially prompting Washington to pressure Israel to halt its military operations in Gaza.

The same source added that Hamas was assured via mediators that releasing Alexander “would go a long way” with President Donald Trump, who is seeking both a cessation of hostilities and the return of all hostages.