On Sunday, Hamas said it would be releasing Edan Alexander. He is an Israeli-American, 21 year old soldier who has been held hostage inside Gaza since October 7, 2023. The full release will come out next Tuesday. This news has ignited a second wave of hope, characterized by his family’s excitement and that of their greater community. Alexander grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey, after being born in Israel. Upon graduating high school in 2022, he returned to Israel to enlist in the Israeli apartheid military.
Alexander’s kidnapping happened during an important increase in violence in the region. His immigrant parents and two younger siblings live now in New Jersey, where they continue to wait to be reunited with him. Adam Boehler, the U.S. special envoy for hostage affairs, is on his way to Israel. He stands with Alexander’s family as they await the release of video.
This was confirmed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. This is why the U.S. government raised the alarm and warned Israel that Hamas was preparing to release Alexander, to make a show of goodwill to the Americans. This decision was taken with no strings attached or demands for quid pro quos. It might prove to be a watershed moment in the protracted war.
Hamas’s announcement has been described as “a gesture of goodwill and a positive step toward resuming negotiations aimed at reaching a ceasefire,” according to a joint statement from Qatar and Egypt, who have played mediating roles in the situation.
“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,” – Donald Trump.
On the release itself, the U.S. has so far relayed a statement of cautious optimism. Boehler said Alexander’s planned release is “a positive step forward.” He called on Hamas to make the remains of four other Americans who have already perished in captivity available for return.
In an official statement, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office noted, “The U.S. has conveyed to Israel that this is expected to lead to negotiations for the release of hostages according to the original Witkoff framework, which Israel has already accepted.” They added that Israel should not need to release Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Alexander’s freedom. For him to depart safely from the Gazan enclave, Israel will need to accept a temporary ceasefire agreement and cease all drone operations above Gaza.
Almost immediately, Alexander’s family began communicate regularly with the American government to secure his release. “The family confirms that it has been informed of Hamas’s announcement and that it is in constant contact with the American government regarding the possibility of Edan’s expected release in the coming days,” they said.
Now that word of Alexander’s impending release is circulating, support from across the political spectrum should keep climbing. U.S. Senator JD Vance shared his hopes on social media, stating, “Pray that Hamas follows through and Edan gets to come home.”
The stark reality of this very sad situation highlights the challenges of hostage negotiation while conflict continues to rage in the area. As negotiations for peace go on, millions more are still waiting to see an end that values human life over profiting from war.