Hamas says it will release last living American hostage after discussions with US administration

By Mohammad Sio

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Palestinian resistance group Hamas said Sunday evening that it will release Israeli-American soldier hostage Idan Alexander as part of ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza.

In a statement, Hamas said that as part of efforts made by mediators to achieve a ceasefire, the group has been in talks with the US administration over the past few days and that it expressed a “high degree of positivity.”

He is known to be the last remaining and living American hostage in Gaza.

Alexander’s release, the statement said, would be among several steps aimed at facilitating a ceasefire, reopening border crossings, and allowing humanitarian aid and relief supplies into the Gaza Strip.

Hamas also expressed its willingness to enter immediate and intensive negotiations aimed at reaching a final ceasefire agreement, a mutually agreed prisoner exchange, and the formation of an independent professional body to govern Gaza.

The group said such a framework would help ensure long-term calm and stability, alongside reconstruction and the lifting of the blockade.

Hamas also praised the ongoing mediation efforts by Qatar and Egypt, as well as Türkiye.