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The Palestinian resistance group Hamas released Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander on Monday evening, handing him over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the southern city of Khan Younis.
Alexander, the last known living U.S. hostage held in Gaza, was transferred by the ICRC to Israeli forces, according to a statement from the Israeli military. The military said its forces received Alexander from the ICRC, with elite unit soldiers accompanying him back to Israeli territory for an initial medical assessment and reunion with his family.
Earlier, the Israeli military confirmed the ICRC’s notification of the handover, which took place north of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Israeli public broadcaster Channel 7 reported that U.S. envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Israeli coordinator for missing and captive persons Gal Hirsch were en route to the Re’im military base near Gaza to receive Alexander.
Alexander’s release came as part of indirect negotiations between Hamas and the U.S., mediated by Egypt and Qatar, with no direct Israeli involvement.
Meanwhile, an Israeli negotiating delegation is set to depart for Doha on Tuesday to discuss a potential ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal. The decision follows a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Witkoff, and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, which included a call with President Donald Trump.
The Israeli team is expected to stay in Doha until at least Thursday, coinciding with Trump’s visit to the Qatari capital. Trump is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) between May 13 and 16, marking his first trip to the region since starting his second term in January.
Israeli officials estimate that 58 Israeli captives remain in Gaza, including 21 who are still alive.
Meanwhile, more than 9,900 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli prisons, where reports indicate they face abuse, starvation, and medical neglect—leading to multiple deaths. According to Palestinian and Israeli media, as well as human rights organizations, these conditions have sparked widespread condemnation.
In Gaza, the ongoing Israeli military offensive has killed nearly 52,900 Palestinians since October 2023, with the majority being women and children.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its actions in the enclave.
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