Hamas says it will release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander as part of ceasefire efforts
Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American soldier who grew up in the US was abducted from his base during the October 7 terror attack.
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Edan Alexander pleads to Trump to secure his release in a hamas propaganda video
Credit: Reuters
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Israeli soldiers patrol along the border with Gaza
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An Israeli army tank motors along the Gaza Strip
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A source familiar with the matter said Alexander would likely be released on Tuesday.
It is part of efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement and allow humanitarian aid to enter the besieged enclave, the Palestinian terror group said.
Another official, the exiled Gaza Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya, said efforts to facilitate the release have been jointly carried out by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.
There was no immediate comment from the Israeli prime minister's office on the announcement.
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Hamas had released 38 hostages under a ceasefire that began on January 19.
In March, Israel's military resumed its ground and aerial offensive on Gaza after Hamas rejected proposals to extend the truce without ending the war.
Israeli officials said that the offensive will continue until the remaining 59 hostages are freed and Gaza is demilitarised.
Hamas insists it will free hostages only as part of a deal to end the war and has rejected demands to lay down its arms.
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The Iran-backed terror group has said it is willing to free all remaining hostages its gunmen seized in attacks in southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
And to agree to a permanent ceasefire if Israel pulls out completely from Gaza.
Israel, which is in control of around a third of Gaza's territory and has been imposing an aid blockade since March, said in May it would expand its Gaza offensive.
Top Israeli officials say the IDF is preparing to"conquer" all of the Gaza Strip.
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