Edan Alexander, 21, was released by Hamas this Monday.
21-year-old Israelo-American military man was the first hostage released since Israel broke the ceasefire with the Palestinian terrorist group in March. Hamas expects gesture to facilitate negotiations with US and Israel.
Palestinian terrorist group Hamas announced on Monday that he released the Last American Citizen kept in captivity in the Gaza Strip.
Liberation does not happen by chance: it is days before President Donald Trump’s expected arrival in the Middle East. According to Hamas, the liberation of Edan Alexandera 21-year-old military man who also has Israeli citizenship, is part of an effort to establish dialogue with the US government about a ceasefire and the reopening of the passages to Gaza.
For more than two months Israel has blocked the entry of food and help, aggravating the humanitarian crisis in the devastated territory. Israelite military personnel reported Monday afternoon that Alexander has the Red Cross and will later be delivered to Israeli forces.
Home to home
Alexander was born in Telavive, Israel, and moved to the United States with his family, where he was raised. He returned to Israel after finishing secondary education to fulfill military service.
The young man was one of the fence 250 people captured by Hamas during what began the war in Gaza. He was 19 at the time and was highlighted to a military post near the Gaza Strip, one of the targets of the attack.
It is estimated that at least 58 hostages remain in Gaza – Dozens were considered dead.
In Tenafly, New Jersia, where Alexander’s family resides, several people took to the streets with posters saying “Welcome home” e “Bring us back”following the news of liberation through a giant screen.
Edan Alexander’s family said in a statement that “it received the greatest gift imaginable – the news that our dear son Edan is returning home after 583 days in captivity in Gaza.”
Later, Israel went to social networks to show the world the long awaited hug: “Edan Alexander is at home”.
584 days apart. One unforgettable embrace. Edan Alexander is finally home 💛
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF)
His family members also appealed to the Israeli government to continue efforts to free all hostages.
“Please do not stop. We hope that our son’s liberation start negotiations for all 58 hostages that remain, ending this nightmare for them and their families.”
“Winning combination”
“He is coming home, to his parents, which is really great news,” he said Trump Journalists in the White House, just before leaving for Saudi Arabia, Qatar and United Arab Emirates. Even without going through Israel, the visit will be strongly marked by the war in Gaza.
The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahuargued that the liberation of the Israelo-American hostage was achieved thanks to a “Winning combination” of Israeli military pressure and politics exercised by US President Donald Trump.
In the video, Netanyahu said he spoke today to Trump and that the White House leader said he was “committed to Israel” and working with his government “in close cooperation.”
Hamas expressed its availability to “immediately start negotiations to reach a comprehensive agreement for a sustainable ceasefire”, which would include the removal of the Israeli army from the Palestinian Enclave, as well as “the end of the siege”, the exchange of prisoners and the reconstruction of the Gaza strip.
However, predictions are not friends with the Palestinian: Israel has one that should start at the end of the month. “Let’s finally occupy the Gaza Strip”, Said Finance Minister, far right, Bezalel Smotrich, this week.
