Hamas has announced that it will release hostage Edan Alexander, an American citizen.
In a statement, Hamas said that it would release Alexander following talks with US officials and “intensified efforts to achieve a ceasefire, open border crossings, and allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.”
No timeline was given for Alexander’s release.
"I am happy to announce that Edan Alexander, an American citizen who has been held hostage since October 2023, is coming home to his family," President Donald Trump posted. "I am grateful to all those involved in making this monumental news happen. 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. Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict. I look very much forward to that day of celebration!"
Hamas also said that it would be ready to enter negotiations with the goal of reaching an agreement to end the war and establish a mutually “agreed prisoner exchange, and enable Gaza to be administered by an independent professional authority.”
According to Reuters, Gaza Hamas chief Khalil Al-Hayya said in a statement, "The movement affirms its readiness to immediately start intensive negotiations and make serious efforts to reach a final agreement to end the war, exchange prisoners in an agreed-upon manner.”
Hamas uses the term “prisoner exchange” in reference to the release of hostages for Palestinian security prisoners, according to the Times of Israel.
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