Hamas says US-Israeli soldier Idan Alexander to be freed

Hamas has announced that Israeli-American soldier Idan Alexander will be released, following recent contacts between the group and the US administration.

In a statement shared on Sunday, the group said its dialogue with Washington is part of wider efforts “to achieve a ceasefire, open the crossings, and allow aid to reach our people in the Gaza Strip”.

Hamas also signalled its readiness for broader negotiations aimed at ending the war, saying: “We affirm our readiness to immediately begin intensive negotiations and make serious efforts to reach a final agreement to stop the war.”

The group reiterated it was prepared to negotiate a prisoner exchange deal and to support post-war governance in Gaza by “an independent, professional body”.

There has been no immediate response from the White House.