DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — In a significant development in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Hamas announced the release of Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier, on Monday. Alexander had been held hostage in Gaza for over 19 months, and his release is seen as an important goodwill gesture towards the Trump administration, potentially paving the way for a renewed ceasefire with Israel.

This event marks the first hostage release since the breakdown of an eight-week ceasefire with Hamas back in March, which resulted in Israel launching intensive military strikes on Gaza, leading to the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians. Alexander was handed over to representatives from the Red Cross before being transferred to Israeli military forces, from where he was airlifted to a hospital in Tel Aviv. Video footage and photographs released by Israeli authorities depicted a visibly pale yet smiling Alexander in an emotional reunion with his family, including his mother.

In response to the release, Israeli leaders indicated their intention to escalate military operations against Hamas. Just days prior to the ceasefire's collapse, Israel had imposed a complete blockade on all imports entering the Palestinian enclave, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis and raising alarms about the looming threat of famine if the blockade remains in place. Israeli officials claim these measures are intended to compel Hamas to agree to a ceasefire on Israel's terms.

As news of Alexander's release broke, his extended family gathered in Tel Aviv wearing shirts emblazoned with his name, chanting loudly as military officials announced his freedom. At Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, hundreds erupted in cheers, celebrating the release of their fellow citizen. Among those present was Alexander’s grandmother, Varda Ben Baruch, who expressed her joy and relief, stating that her grandson appeared to have matured during his long ordeal. She mentioned with pride that Alexander's humor remained intact, as he reportedly cracked a joke during his first phone call with his mother following his release.

Alexander’s journey as a hostage began on October 7, 2023, when he was abducted from his military base in southern Israel during a Hamas-led surprise attack that escalated tensions and ignited war in Gaza. In his hometown of Tenafly, New Jersey, the community celebrated his release with hundreds gathering on the streets, displaying signs adorned with his image and listening to traditional Israeli music as they watched the live broadcasts of the event on a large screen. Since his abduction, residents had been mobilizing every Friday to advocate for the release of hostages taken during the conflict.

As of now, Israeli officials report that 58 hostages remain in captivity, with approximately 23 believed to be alive. A significant number of the more than 250 hostages taken during the 2023 assault have been freed through various ceasefire negotiations.

In related news, President Donald Trump, who is making his first official foreign trip since being re-elected, commented on the expected release of Alexander, calling it a promising step towards ending the protracted conflict. Trump emphasized that it reflects good faith towards the United States and its mediating partners, Qatar and Egypt. He expressed hope that this would be the first of many steps necessary to conclude the conflict and reunite all hostages with their families.

While Trump travels to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, he has no scheduled visit to Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also met with U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, to discuss ongoing efforts for the release of the remaining hostages. Following Alexander’s release, Netanyahu stated that it was achieved through a combination of military pressure and diplomatic efforts led by President Trump, emphasizing that no concessions were made for Alexander's freedom aside from creating a safe passage for his return.

However, the announcement of Alexander's release has sparked criticism aimed at Netanyahu, with detractors arguing that he relied too heavily on international intervention to secure the release of the hostages. Critics have pointed out that this reliance exposes an inadequacy in providing security for Israeli citizens. As Netanyahu faces ongoing pressure to address the situation, his administration continues to assert its commitment to intensifying military operations in Gaza, despite the humanitarian implications.

In the meantime, tensions continue to escalate in the region. A recent Israeli airstrike reportedly targeted a command and control center at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, resulting in three fatalities and numerous injuries. The Israeli military defended the action, claiming it was a precision strike against Hamas militants operating from within the medical facility.

Netanyahu's approach to the conflict remains contentious, with critics questioning his strategy and the high civilian toll it has exacted. Since the onset of the 2023 conflict, Hamas-led militants have killed approximately 1,200 individuals, while Israeli military actions have reportedly resulted in over 52,800 Palestinian deaths, as per data from Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between combatants and civilians. The ongoing military offensive has devastated large areas of Gaza, displacing nearly 90% of the population, frequently forcing families to flee multiple times.

As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all individuals affected by this conflict.

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Magdy reported from Cairo and Goldenberg from Tel Aviv, with contributions from Associated Press writer Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv.

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Erik Nilsson