Israel Pauses Gaza Operations for Release of Hostage Edan Alexander

LONDON -- Edan Alexander, a 19-year-old American-Israeli soldier held captive by Hamas since the harrowing attacks on October 7, 2023, is poised for release following successful negotiations between U.S. officials and the Palestinian group. This anticipated event marks a significant moment in a tense and ongoing conflict, as families and supporters await news of his safe return.
On the day of Alexander's expected release, family members arrived at the Re'im military base in southern Israel, where they were transported by an Israeli military helicopter. This location, situated near the Gaza border, has become a central point of hope and anxiety as they prepare for the reunion with their loved one.
Israeli security officials confirmed to ABC News that there will be a temporary pause in military operations, including combat, airstrikes, and aerial reconnaissance in the specific area of Gaza from which Alexander will be freed. This ceasefire is intended to ensure a safe and smooth transition as he crosses into Israeli territory, a process expected to take a mere thirty minutes.
According to the Israeli officials, Hamas is scheduled to hand over Alexander at 6:30 p.m. local time (11:30 a.m. ET). His mother, Yael Alexander, was seen arriving at the military base, accompanied by Adam Boehler, the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Response. After his release, Alexander is expected to be taken directly to a hospital in Tel Aviv for a medical evaluation and to reunite with his family.
Varda Ben Baruch, Edan's grandmother, was photographed expressing her emotions at Kibbutz Nir Oz, where family members have been living in anticipation of this moment. The stress of the past months has weighed heavily on families affected by the ongoing violence, and Alexander’s imminent return brings a glimmer of hope amid the chaos.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a meeting with Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on the same day, reflecting the high-level diplomatic efforts involved in securing Alexander's freedom. Following discussions, Netanyahu also reached out to former President Donald Trump, expressing gratitude for Trump’s support in the negotiations that led to Alexander's release.
In statements released to the media, Netanyahu emphasized the need for continued negotiations to secure further releases, stating that efforts to complete the hostage situation would proceed even amidst ongoing conflicts. His comments underscore the complex nature of the negotiations, especially given the sensitivity of military actions in the region.
Edan Alexander, born in New Jersey, had moved to Israel at the age of 18 and enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces. He was captured while stationed at a base near the Gaza frontier during the brutal assault by Hamas that resulted in over 1,200 fatalities, according to Israeli reports. He is currently the last known American citizen believed to be held hostage, with the remains of four other deceased American hostages also said to be in the custody of Hamas.
Hamas announced its decision to release Alexander, framing it as a step toward achieving a ceasefire. The group indicated that it had been in contact with American officials in the days leading up to this announcement, linking Alexander’s release to ongoing negotiations aimed at de-escalating the violence.
Former President Trump took to Truth Social to comment on the situation, declaring Alexander's impending release to be a crucial milestone in the broader effort to end hostilities. While Trump did not provide specific details on the release timeline, his statement highlights the political ramifications of hostages in this ongoing conflict.
Despite the positive news, U.S. officials noted that not all concessions sought were granted. Alongside Alexander, negotiations also aimed to secure the release of the remains of four American hostages still unaccounted for in Gaza. The Alexander family has publicly stated their awareness of ongoing discussions regarding the release and remains in contact with U.S. officials.
In a poignant statement, the Alexander family asserted, "It is forbidden to leave any hostage behind," reinforcing their commitment to advocate for the safe return of all remaining individuals still held captive. Alexander was among the 253 hostages taken during the October 7 attack, an incident that has escalated the already fraught situation in the region.
As a result of the conflict, Israeli military operations in Gaza have led to devastating consequences, with reports indicating substantial civilian casualties, including over 52,829 fatalities and 119,554 injuries, according to data from the Hamas-run Ministry of Health.
This story is still developing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
— ABC News' Shannon K. Kingston contributed to this report.