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Hamas said early on Monday that he would release Edan Alexander, an Israeli hostage believed to be the last living us citizens detained in Gaza by Palestinian extremist groups in the coming hours.
“The Al-Kassam Brigade has decided to release the prisoner of war Zionist soldiers holding today’s “Idan Alexander” and “Idan Alexander” on Monday, May 12, 2025,” a Hamas spokesman said in an early statement Monday.
Hamas previously suggested that such a release was a signal for such a release as part of “measures are being taken to achieve a ceasefire, open crossings and allow aid.”
If successful, the release will come the day before President Donald Trump will travel to the Middle East on a trip. This is expected to intensify efforts to bring a pause to Israel’s drastic military attacks in Gaza, and aid has been cut off for several weeks from there.
Trump’s trip is not expected to include stops to Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement Monday that he is committed only to safe corridors to allow Alexander to be released, rather than ceasefire or release of Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
“We’re on a major day. Meanwhile, Hamas has proposals to allow for the release of hostages,” the statement said, adding “negotiations will continue alongside preparations to intensify the battle.”
Israeli security cabinet last week approved a plan to acquire an entire enclave where more than 2 million Palestinians living in Gaza will be “moved” from the strip as Israeli military launched operations to defeat Hamas.
21-year-old Alexander was born and raised in New Jersey and served in the Israeli army when he was captured by Hamas in the terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023.
Israeli officials say 1,200 people were killed during the Hamas-led attack.
More than 51,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been run by Hamas since 2007.
According to Israeli officials, Alexander is one of at least 59 hostages remaining in Gaza, but is believed to be alive. His family confirmed in a statement Sunday that they are hoping for his release.
This story first appeared on nbcnews.com. More from NBC News:
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