Edan Alexander, final residing American hostage in Gaza, set to be launched | EUROtoday

Edan Alexander, the final residing American captive being held in Gaza, is about to be launched as a part of ceasefire efforts.

Exiled Hamas Chief Khalil Al-Hayya mentioned the discharge of the twin nationwide from New Jersey, was collectively coordinated by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, Reuters studies.

“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 workplace of Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned the U.S. had knowledgeable Israel of Hamas’s intention to launch 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 assertion learn.

“Israel is preparing for the possibility that this effort will be implemented.”

The assertion 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 launched an announcement referred to as it an “encouraging” step in direction of resuming negotiations .

A supply acquainted with the deal instructed The Independent it was a “good will” gesture after direct talks between the militant group and the U.S., with Hamas seizing a possibility because the White House and the Israeli authorities are “not seeing eye to eye at the moment.”

open picture in gallery

It may be a stepping stone for the additional negotiations for a long run ceasefire though there was a “big mountain ahead” for a deal, the supply added.

It comes as White House envoy Steve Witkoff is predicted to journey to Israel on Monday forward of Alexander’s launch. He spoke to Alexander’s mother and father and notified them of Hamas’ plans, in line with Axios.

Mr Witkoff is predicted to attempt to reignite stalled negotiations for a deal between Israel and Hamas .

The largest group representing the hostages in Israel mentioned Alexander’s launch should be the beginning of efforts to free the remaining 58 nonetheless believed to be in Gaza. They implored Trump for assist.

“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 assertion learn.

“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 press release from Alexander’s household learn: “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 launched 38 hostages beneath a ceasefire that started on January 19. In March, Israel’s army resumed its floor and aerial offensive on Gaza, abandoning the ceasefire after Hamas rejected proposals to increase the truce with out ending the struggle.

open picture in gallery

Since then it has additionally imposed a complete blockade on the tiny enclave, pushing its 2 million-strong inhabitants into famine like circumstances.

Israeli officers mentioned that offensive will proceed till the remaining 59 hostages are freed and Gaza is demilitarised. Hamas insists it should free hostages solely as a part of a deal to finish the struggle and has rejected calls for to put down its arms.

Israel launched an unprecedented bombardment of Gaza in retaliation for the Hamas assault on October 7, 2023 that killed 1,200 folks, in line with Israeli tallies, and noticed 251 taken into Gaza within the deadliest day for Israel in its historical past. Alexander, a serving Israeli officer, was seized from a army base the place he was stationed close to the Gaza border.

Since then its marketing campaign killed greater than 52,800 Palestinians, in line with native well being authorities, and has destroyed enclave, destroying no less than 60 % of the buildings.