Hamas says it will release U.S. hostage Edan Alexander from Gaza

Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old U.S.-Israeli dual citizen and soldier held hostage by Hamas, is reportedly set to be released as part of efforts to broker a ceasefire with Israel. The move comes after President Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, confirmed direct communication with Hamas in recent days. The U.S. government has signalled this gesture may signal progress toward resolving the decades-long conflict, though conditions remain unclear. Alexander’s release follows weeks of tense negotiations and high-stakes diplomacy amid a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where hundreds of civilians are suffering amid intense fighting and severe blockade.