Hamas releases Israeli-American hostage in goodwill gesture toward Trump administration
- Last updated: May 13, 2025 | 10:59
Hamas on Monday released an Israeli-American soldier who had been held hostage in Gaza for more than 19 months, offering a goodwill gesture toward the Trump administration that could lay the groundwork for a new ceasefire with Israel.
Edan Alexander, 21, was the first hostage released since Israel shattered an eight-week ceasefire with Hamas in March and unleashed fierce strikes on Gaza that have killed hundreds of Palestinians.
He was handed over to the Red Cross and then to Israeli forces before being flown by helicopter to a hospital in Tel Aviv. Israeli authorities released video and photos showing a pale but smiling Alexander in an emotional reunion with his mother and other family members.
Israel has promised to intensify its offensive, including by seizing Gaza and displacing much of the territory's population again. Days before the ceasefire ended, Israel blocked all imports from entering the Palestinian enclave, deepening a humanitarian crisis and sparking warnings about the risk of famine if the blockade isn’t lifted. Israel says the steps are meant to pressure Hamas to accept a ceasefire agreement on Israel’s terms.
On Monday, a statement from Netanyahu's office said Israel did not make any concessions for Alexander’s release and had only agreed to create a "safe corridor” to allow Alexander to be returned.
It said Israel would carry on with plans to ramp up its offensive in Gaza. Israel says it won't launch that plan until after Trump's visit to the Middle East, to allow for a potential new ceasefire deal to emerge.
Early Tuesday, an Israeli strike hit the surgery department at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Officials at the hospital said three people were killed and 10 injured.
The Israeli military said it had precisely struck Hamas fighters operating from within a command and control center at the hospital.
Alexander's release created a backlash against Netanyahu, whom critics accuse of having to rely on a foreign leader to help free the remaining hostages.
Associated Press