Hamas says American-Israeli hostage released in goodwill gesture

Edan Alexander's release would be the first since Israel shattered an eight-week ceasefire with Hamas in March

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Hamas says it released Israeli-American Edan Alexander, a soldier held hostage for more than 19 months in the Gaza Strip. There was no immediate confirmation from Israel.

Hamas said it was releasing Alexander as a goodwill gesture for the Trump administration to try to revive talks on ending the war. The release comes ahead of President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East this week.

Alexander was taken from his military base in southern Israel during Hamas' cross-border attack on 7 October, 2023, which set off the war in Gaza. His release would be the first since Israel shattered an eight-week ceasefire with Hamas in March, unleashing fierce strikes on Gaza that killed hundreds.

Israel has promised to intensify its offensive, including by seizing the territory and displacing much of its population again. Days before the ceasefire ended, Israel blocked all imports from entering the Palestinian enclave, deepening a humanitarian crisis and sparking warnings about the risk of famine if the blockade isn't lifted.