The dual American-Israeli national was taken captive on October 7, 2023, while serving in the Israeli army.

Qatar and Egypt have released a joint statement welcoming Palestinian resistance group Hamas’s decision to release American-Israeli captive, Edan Alexander, following talks with the United States.

New Jersey-born Alexander, 21, who was taken captive by Hamas on 7 October 2023, is believed to be the last remaining living American captive in Gaza. The Palestinian group is releasing him on Monday, according to a statement from Al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Obeida on Telegram.

Mediators Qatar and Egypt have described Alexander’s release as a “gesture of goodwill and a positive step toward resuming negotiations,” aimed at securing a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, facilitating the release of prisoners, and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to the blockaded territory.

Both nations stressed the “urgent need to end the war in Gaza to prevent further humanitarian consequences,” calling upon “sincere and good-faith efforts” to reach lasting and just regional peace and stability.

“Qatar and Egypt reaffirm their continued joint efforts in mediating the situation in the Gaza Strip, in coordination with the United States[…]to ease the suffering of civilians and help establish the conditions necessary for a comprehensive ceasefire, ultimately bringing an end to the war and the humanitarian crisis it has caused,” the statement added.

Khalil Al-Hayya, head of Hamas’s negotiating team, announced the decision to release Alexander on Sunday evening via Telegram, confirming direct talks with the U.S. aimed at securing a ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip.

Al-Hayya stated that the captive “will be released as part of the steps taken toward a ceasefire, reopening the crossings, and delivering aid” to the Gaza Strip, where Israel has blocked the entry of lifesaving humanitarian assistance since March 2.

“The movement reaffirms its readiness to immediately begin intensive negotiations and make serious efforts to reach a final agreement that would end the war, implement a mutually agreed prisoner exchange, and enable Gaza to be administered by an independent professional committee,” Al-Hayya said.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a statement on Truth Social expressing his gratitude to “those involved in making this monumental news happen”.

“This was a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators Qatar and Egypt to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones,” he said.

A total of 59 captives remain in the Gaza Strip, with only around a third believed to be alive following Israel’s relentless bombardment of the territory.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed efforts to reach a ceasefire, refusing to halt the ongoing genocidal war in the Gaza Strip. On March 18, Netanyahu ended the ceasefire agreement brokered by mediators on January 15.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has killed more than 61,700 people in the Gaza Strip, according to a revised figure by the local health ministry. However, the figure is believed to be significantly higher with thousands trapped under the rubble.

On Saturday, Qatar and Egypt issued a statement confirming that their joint mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel are continuing. 

Trump is scheduled to visit Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates between May 13 and 16. The developments in the Gaza Strip are believed to be among the topics high on the agenda of Trump’s visit.