Hamas publishes a video of Edan Alexander, the last living US captive held by Hamas in Gaza, while conveying a message of distress and frustration from captivity - Still image
CAIRO – 12 May 2025: Hamas handed over captive Edan Alexander, the last US captive held by the movement in Gaza, to the Red Cross to then be transported to Israel on Monday afternoon, after reaching an agreement between the US administration and the movement to release the captive for allowing the entry of humanitarian aid trucks to the besieged Gaza Strip.
The contacts between the US administration and Hamas took place through Egyptian and Qatari mediators.
In a statement, the Military wing of Hamas, Al-Qassam Brigades, announced that the Zionist soldier holding American citizenship, “Edan Alexander,” was released in Khan Younis “following communications with the U.S. administration, as part of the ongoing efforts by mediators to establish a ceasefire, open the crossings, and deliver aid and relief to our people in the Gaza Strip.”
“This step comes after important discussions in which Hamas demonstrated a high degree of positivity and flexibility,” Hamas added.
Hamas also affirmed its readiness to immediately begin negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement for a sustainable ceasefire, the withdrawal of the occupation army, the lifting of the blockade, a prisoner exchange, and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
In another statement, Israeli Army announced that the return of the captive was accompanied by IDF special forces.
Few hours before Alexander’s release, US President Donald Trump said during a press conference that he is grateful to all those involved in releasing Alexander.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 11, 2025
In April, Alexander appeared in a video released by Hamas while he was visibly angry, expressing clear disappointment and struggling to hold back tears.
“I really want to believe that I will return home safe and sound to celebrate holidays and have fun with you,” Alexander said.
Hamas continues to hold 59 captives, with at least 22 believed to be alive, insisting that negotiations are the only way for Israel to recover its captives.
Hamas warned of the impact of renewed Israeli operations on the safety of the captives, saying Israel “must realize that this aggression represents a death sentence for the remaining captives in the Gaza Strip.”
Israeli media reported that starting from tomorrow, about 100 humanitarian trucks will enter into the Gaza strip. They also reported that Alexander would travel to Qatar, where he will meet with Trump and the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad.
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