Hamas says it will release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander

[Twiglets1]

CAIRO, May 11 (Reuters) - Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander will soon be released in Gaza, a senior Hamas official told Reuters on Sunday, a move key Arab mediators Qatar and Egypt described as an encouraging step towards a return to ceasefire talks in the war-torn enclave.

The senior Hamas official did not specify a time for the release of Alexander, a 21-year-old soldier in the Israeli Army who was born and raised in New Jersey, but a source familiar with the matter told Reuters it would likely happen on Tuesday.

Freeing Alexander, believed to be the last surviving American hostage held by the militant Palestinian group, is part of efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement and allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, Hamas said.

U.S. President Donald Trump will visit the Middle East this week. His special envoy Adam Boehler said news of Alexander's release was a positive step forward.

"We would also ask that Hamas release the bodies of four other Americans that were taken," Boehler added.

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-will-release-israeli-american-hostage-edan-alexander-group-says-2025-05-11/

I don’t believe the war has ALWAYS been an excuse for a land grab - after all, Israel didn’t trigger it.

But I do think that Netanyahu’s position has hardened and his main goal now is defeating Hamas & taking more land, not getting the hostages back.

Maybe he was influenced by seeing the disgusting scenes of Hamas & their supporters celebrating & claiming victory when the other hostages were released. This release was done way more respectfully. Or maybe, he has been emboldened by how much the international community has allowed his government to do without intervention beyond empty words. Hamas are a threat to other countries too which is maybe why Netanyahu has been allowed to go as far as he has to weaken the threat.

Very glad to see Edan released but I think it’s interesting how sidelined Netanyahu was here. This is the last US hostage so he can explain it away but ultimately he has been further weakened at home.

On another point, it was wonderful to see the British Israeli hostage Emily Damari in London at the weekend, attending the synagogue who campaigned for her release and attending the Spurs game where she was warmly welcomed by all. She has been through so much but looks like she is recovering at least.

This is all about staying in power for Netanyahu. The moment he ends the war, he's out. If you read all the articles from today, they mostly all mention Netanyahu assuring the extremists that even if he agrees to another deal, he wont end the war. Many Israelis know this too.