Hamas Frees Edan Alexander, Demands End to Israeli Blockade

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Hamas has freed Edan Alexander, an American and an Israeli soldier. Edan Alexander's release is part of Hamas' effort to revive ceasefire negotiations and end the Israeli blockade, which has caused the siege of the Gaza Strip.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed on Monday night that it had facilitated the transfer of Edan Alexander. A picture was released showing Alexander with Hamas members and a Red Cross official.

Hamas stated that they released Edan Alexander as a gesture of goodwill towards U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump is visiting three Middle Eastern countries this week.

The fighting was temporarily halted to allow for the hostage transfer. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel allowed the temporary ceasefire to ensure the safe release of Edan Alexander.

“Edan Alexander, American hostage thought dead, to be released by Hamas. Great news!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

“The government of Israel warmly welcomes soldier Sergeant Edan Alexander who has been returned from Hamas captivity,” said a statement from Netanyahu's office cited by Al Jazeera.

“The government of Israel is committed to the return of all hostages and missing persons – both the living and the fallen,” the statement added. The families of the captives accused Netanyahu of prioritizing his political survival over the fate of the detainees still held in Gaza.

In a statement, ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric welcomed Alexander's release. She called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. “We are relieved that one more family has been reunited today. This nightmare, however, continues for the remaining hostages, their families, and hundreds of thousands of civilians across Gaza,” Spoljaric said.

Edan Alexander's mother reportedly arrived in Israel on Monday and was flown to the Re'im military base.

Despite the release, Israel has not committed to a broader ceasefire in Gaza. “There’s nothing in exchange, no release of Palestinian prisoners, no pause in the fighting,” said Salhut. “If there are going to be any sort of negotiations, they’re going to happen under fire,” Salhut added, referring to Israel's stance.

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