Israeli soldier and American citizen Edan Alexander was released today by the Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s armed wing, which had held him captive in Gaza since October 2023. The Israeli public broadcasting service confirmed on Monday afternoon that Alexander was handed over to the International Red Cross in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis.
Earlier in the day, an Israeli military helicopter transported several of Alexander’s family members to the Israeli Re’im military base on the outskirts of Gaza in preparation to receive the captive soldier as U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Israel.
The release of Alexander comes less than 24 hours after Hamas first announced on Sunday that it had reached an agreement with the U.S. following direct talks with Washington. According to Hamas, the talks did not include any Israeli participation. On Monday, Hamas senior official Mahmoud Mardawi told the Arab satellite channel, Al-Ghad, that the release of the U.S.-Israeli captive was a “goodwill gesture” meant to revive ceasefire talks and open a path to permanently ending the war.
The Cradle @TheCradleMedia
According to Israel's public broadcaster KAN, freed US-Israeli soldier and prisoner Edan Alexander refuses to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Laura Loomer @LauraLoomer
President Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff @SteveWitkoff is with newly released American hostage Edan Alexander’s family.
Edan’s mother was elated and screaming with joy while crying after Witkoff passed her his cell phone and she was able to speak to her son for the first time in over 500 days while he was held hostage by HAMAS savage animals.
Steve Witkoff doesn’t get paid for any of this work. He is saving these hostages all around the world on his own dime.
He’s a billionaire who could have anything he wants and go anywhere he wants.
But most of all, he’s an American hero. Thank you, @SteveWitkoff for your patriotism and generosity.
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