Hamas to release last living American hostage in Gaza without ceremony

The release of Idan Alexander will take place today or tomorrow (on May 12 or 13) without any formal ceremony, Hamas sources told the Saudi television channel Al-Sharq.

The sources added that Hamas would hand Alexander over to the Red Cross “in accordance with safety conditions on the ground,” Caliber.Az reports. 

“We have called for a halt to all military operations in Gaza during the handover. The operation will not take place if Israel does not provide the safe passage it has committed to,” they said.

Alexander, an elite Israeli infantry soldier captured during the October 2023 conflict, is believed to be the last surviving American hostage in Gaza. His release, Hamas said, forms part of steps “aimed at facilitating a ceasefire, reopening border crossings and allowing humanitarian aid and relief supplies into the Gaza Strip.”

The group added it had held recent discussions with the US administration, noting a “high degree of positivity.” It reiterated its readiness to engage in “immediate and intensive negotiations” to achieve a final ceasefire, prisoner exchange, and the creation of an independent body to govern Gaza, aiming to ensure “long-term calm and stability.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the US had notified Tel Aviv of Hamas’ intention to release Alexander “without any conditions or exchange.” The statement linked the expected release to a plan by US envoy Steve Witkoff, which Israel previously approved.

“In accordance with Israel’s policy, negotiations will take place under fire, with full commitment to achieving all the objectives of the war,” the statement added.

Israeli media suggested a brief, hours-long ceasefire could be implemented to facilitate the release. Israel Hayom cited unnamed sources saying aid deliveries would be allowed and border crossings opened, though no Palestinian prisoners would be freed in return.

Reports also indicate that Israel was not involved in the negotiations, with Channel 13 noting the country was “only notified after the deal had been coordinated.”

The development comes ahead of Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, amid reports of rising tensions between the former US president and Netanyahu.

Hamas praised mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye. The group also reiterated support for Witkoff’s March proposal, which included the release of captives, a 50-day ceasefire, and expanded humanitarian access.

More than 52,800 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Israel’s offensive began in October 2023. Israel is currently facing proceedings at the International Court of Justice for alleged genocide, while the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes.

By Aghakazim Guliyev