Hamas Agrees to Deal That Includes Release of American Hostage Edan Alexander

Hamas says it will accept a ceasefire deal that includes the release of American Israeli hostage Edan Alexander.  

Over the weekend, Hamas announced it would agree to a proposal from mediator states Egypt and Qatar. The deal includes the release of five hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, a pause in fighting for 50 days, and additional humanitarian aid into Gaza.  

Israel has presented a counterproposal to the offer “in full coordination with the U.S.,” according to the prime minister’s office. The details of the counteroffer were not immediately released, but Israel news outlet Ynet News reports that Israel’s proposal requires the release of at least 10 hostages still being held in Gaza. There are 24 hostages still believed to be alive in Gaza. Hamas is also holding the bodies of an additional 35 hostages.  

Alexander is the last American hostage still believed to be alive in Gaza. Israel news sources report that Hamas has released a status update on Alexander’s health, but no details have been reported. In December, Hamas released a propaganda video featuring Alexander. 

“We just want him to stay strong and believe that he will come back home,” Yael Alexander, Edan Alexander’s mother, told The Daily Signal during a visit to Washington, D.C., in February.  

“I can imagine me hugging him all the time,” the mother said, adding, “This is really, really tough, but still, we are hopeful.”  

When her son is finally released, Yael Alexander says she will probably “cry hysterically.”   

“It’s going to be a relief,” she said, adding she will be able to “breathe for the first time in a long time” when her son is set free.

Edan Alexander, 21, was born in Tel Aviv but grew up in New Jersey. He chose to return to Israel to serve in the Israel Defense Forces after high school, a decision his mother says she remains proud of him for making.  

Alexander was stationed on the Israel-Gaza border on Oct. 7, 2023, during Hamas’ attack on Israel. That morning, he spoke to his mother on the phone and told her it was “like a war” there but assured her he was safe. That was the last time they spoke. 

Americans Keith Siegel, 65, and Sagui Dekel-Chen, 36, were released during the six-week ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that ran from mid-January to the beginning of March.