Hamas says it will release Edan Alexander - believed to be last American hostage in Gaza

Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has declared its intention to release Edan Alexander, thought to be the last surviving American hostage in Gaza. This move is part of a wider effort to negotiate a ceasefire and reopen crucial crossings into the conflict-ridden territory.

The group confirmed their plans late Sunday but did not provide a specific timeline for the 21 year old's release. The Mirror sought comment from the US State Department regarding this latest twist in the ongoing Israeli hostage crisis.

This news emerges just days before former US President Donald Trump's scheduled visit to the Middle East. Although Trump will not be visiting Israel, the timing has sparked intrigue, particularly as his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is due to arrive in the country imminently.

Alexander, an Israeli-American soldier raised in Tenafly, New Jersey, was seized by Hamas during a surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which ignited the current war in Gaza. After finishing high school in 2022, he relocated to Israel and joined the Israeli military.

While there has been no official statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office yet, relations between his administration and Washington have been tense recently, especially after US officials engaged in direct discussions with Hamas earlier this year, reportedly infuriating Israeli leadership, reports

In a recent statement, Hamas official has confirmed ongoing communications with the US administration. Al-Hayyah revealed that Hamas is ready to "immediately start intensive negotiations" for a long-term ceasefire, which would encompass ending hostilities, swapping Palestinian detainees and Israeli captives, and transitioning Gaza's governance to an independent technocratic entity.

The parents of Alexander have remained silent since the news broke out. However, back in February, his mother Yael Alexander expressed her anguish to The Associated Press, noting: "Every time they say Edan's name, it's like they didn't forget. They didn't forget he's American, and they're working on it."

A harrowing video of Edan Alexander, captured by Hamas, emerged during last year's Thanksgiving weekend - marking his most cherished holiday. The footage, which depicted the young soldier in tears pleading for assistance, was a source of immense pain for his family but also served as proof of his survival.

Currently, there are 59 hostages held in Gaza, with estimates suggesting that around a third are still alive. Many have been released through past ceasefire agreements or negotiations.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East erupted on October 7, 2023, following a sudden and lethal offensive by Hamas against Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths, predominantly among civilians, including women, children, and whole families.

Militants launched a brutal attack on Israeli towns near the Gaza border, indiscriminately shooting residents in their homes, on the streets and even at a music festival. Over 250 individuals were taken hostage and forcibly transported across the border into Gaza - the hostages included elderly citizens, children and foreign nationals.

In retaliation, Israel declared war on Hamas and initiated a large-scale military operation within Gaza - one of the world's most densely populated regions. The objective: to dismantle Hamas' military infrastructure and secure the release of the hostages.

Since the commencement of the conflict, over 52,000 Palestinians have lost their lives due to the Israeli bombardment and ground invasion, as reported by Gaza's Health Ministry, which is under Hamas control. A significant number of the casualties are believed to be women and children, with residential properties, hospitals and schools among the structures targeted.

Entire neighbourhoods have been reduced to rubble.