Hamas to free Israeli-American soldier held in Gaza after direct talks with US

Hamas has confirmed it will release Israeli-American captive Edan Alexander as part of broader efforts to secure a ceasefire and allow urgently needed humanitarian aid into Gaza.

In a statement issued on Sunday, senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya announced the move following direct contact between the group and the United States in recent days. He said the decision came amid mediation efforts led by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.

“The movement affirms its readiness to immediately start intensive negotiations and make serious efforts to reach a final agreement to end the war, exchange prisoners in an agreed-upon manner,” al-Hayya said.

While no exact date for the release has been publicly confirmed, a source familiar with the negotiations told Reuters the handover is expected to take place on Tuesday.

Read more: Hamas to free Israeli-American soldier held in Gaza after direct talks with US