Edan Alexander, last American hostage held by Hamas, expected to be released within 48 hours

Edan Alexander, a 20-year-old American-Israeli dual national and the last known American hostage held by Hamas, is expected to be released within the next 48 hours, according to senior U.S. and Israeli intelligence sources.

The young soldier, captured during the October 2023 Hamas attack against southern Israel, has been held in Gaza for over 18 months. His name has become symbolic of ongoing diplomatic efforts between Israel, the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to secure the release of hostages still detained by Hamas.

“We are cautiously optimistic,” a U.S. official told K13 News under condition of anonymity. “The final terms are being finalized and the situation remains fluid, but we believe his release is imminent.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has remained in close contact with U.S. President Joe Biden, who previously stated that securing Edan Alexander’s release is a “top priority.”

Humanitarian pressure has also mounted globally, with families of other hostages and advocacy groups urging the international community to maintain pressure on Hamas for unconditional releases.

Hamas has not issued a formal statement but sources close to the negotiations report that the release is tied to ongoing humanitarian and ceasefire discussions.

Alexander’s expected return marks a critical turning point in the hostage crisis. Over 120 individuals were taken during the 2023 Hamas-led incursion into Israel, triggering the current war. Several hostages have been released in prior deals, though many remain missing or presumed dead.

The Biden administration has not confirmed the exact timeline but acknowledged “progress in the ongoing negotiations.”