Edan Alexander, the last living American captive being held in Gaza, is set to be released as part of ceasefire efforts.
Exiled Hamas Chief Khalil Al-Hayya said the release of the dual national from New Jersey, was jointly coordinated by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, Reuters reports.
"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," Hayya added.
The office of Benjamin Netanyahu said the U.S. had informed Israel of Hamas’s intention to release Alexander “as a gesture to the Americans, without conditions or anything in exchange.”
“The U.S. has conveyed to Israel that this is expected to lead to negotiations for the release of hostages,” the statement read.
“Israel is preparing for the possibility that this effort will be implemented.”
The statement continued: “In accordance with Israel's policy, the negotiations will be held under fire, based on the commitment to achieve all of the objectives of the war.”
Egypt and Qatar released a statement called it an “encouraging” step towards resuming negotiations .
A source familiar with the deal told The Independent it was a “good will” gesture after direct talks between the militant group and the U.S., with Hamas seizing an opportunity as the White House and the Israeli government are “not seeing eye to eye at the moment.”
It could also be a stepping stone for the further negotiations for a long term ceasefire although there was a “big mountain ahead” for a deal, the source added.
It comes as White House envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Israel on Monday ahead of Alexander’s release. He spoke to Alexander's parents and notified them of Hamas' plans, according to Axios.
Mr Witkoff is expected to try to reignite stalled negotiations for a deal between Israel and Hamas .
The largest group representing the hostages in Israel said Alexander’s release must be the start of efforts to free the remaining 58 still believed to be in Gaza. They implored Trump for help.
“Should this release be confirmed, the release of Edan Alexander must mark the beginning of a comprehensive agreement that will secure the freedom of all remaining hostages,” the statement read.
“President Trump, you've given the families of all the hostages hope. Please, complete your mission and bring them all home.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu must immediately fulfill the supreme moral obligation — and the demand of the vast majority of the Israeli public — to bring everyone back... No one should be left behind.”
A statement from Alexander’s family read: "Today, on Mother's Day, we received the greatest gift imaginable—news that our beautiful son Edan is returning home after 583 days in captivity in Gaza.
“We express our deepest gratitude to President Trump, Steve Witkoff, and the US administration for their tireless work to make this happen.We urge the Israeli government and the negotiating teams: please don't stop. We hope our son's release begins negotiations for all 58 remaining hostages, ending this nightmare for them and their families. No hostage should be left behind."
Hamas had released 38 hostages under a ceasefire that began on January 19. In March, Israel's military resumed its ground and aerial offensive on Gaza, abandoning the ceasefire after Hamas rejected proposals to extend the truce without ending the war.
Since then it has also imposed a total blockade on the tiny enclave, pushing its 2 million-strong population into famine like conditions.
Israeli officials said that offensive will continue until the remaining 59 hostages are freed and Gaza is demilitarised. Hamas insists it will free hostages only as part of a deal to end the war and has rejected demands to lay down its arms.
Israel launched an unprecedented bombardment of Gaza in retaliation for the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 that killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies, and saw 251 taken into Gaza in the deadliest day for Israel in its history. Alexander, a serving Israeli officer, was seized from a military base where he was stationed near the Gaza border.
Since then its campaign killed more than 52,800 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, and has destroyed enclave, destroying at least 60 percent of the buildings.
