From: CNN May 13, 2025 Hamas releases US-Israeli dual citizen and soldier Edan Alexander.
Edan Alexander, the last known living American hostage in Gaza, has been released by Hamas, ending an 18-month ordeal that began with the militant group's October 7 attack.
Hamas announced on Sunday night (Monday AEST) it had agreed to free Alexander, 21 after several days of talks with the United States as part of an effort to reach a ceasefire and resume the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The group handed Alexander to the Red Cross on Monday, and he returned to Israeli soil shortly later.
Alexander's release comes just one day before US President Donald Trump begins a Middle East tour, with stops planned in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Indirect talks between Hamas and the US began five days ago, an Egyptian official and a senior Hamas official said, with both describing the release of Alexander as a gesture of goodwill.
Following Alexander's release, 58 hostages are still being held in Gaza, with at least 20 believed to be alive.
Among the deceased hostages are four American citizens, including husband and wife Gadi Haggai and Judi Weinstein Haggai, as well as soldiers Itay Chen and Omer Neutra.
