Trump-Hamas deal secures release of Edan Alexander: What to know
Preparations have started for the release of Israeli-US hostage Edan Alexander from Hamas captivity in Gaza, though the group did not specify yet the exact hour.
American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, captured by Hamas during the attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, is expected to be released Monday after 584 days in captivity. Hamas confirmed the release on its Telegram channel, though the exact time has not yet been communicated.
In preparation for the transfer, Israeli forces are establishing a secure corridor in the Gaza Strip in the undisclosed area where Red Cross agents will hand over Alexander to Israeli authorities. According to Channel 12, a helicopter will take Alexander from that area into Israel. The Israeli military will implement a temporary ceasefire during the operation, including a suspension of intelligence-gathering flights over the Strip.
The 21-year-old will be handed over by Hamas to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, Ynet reported Monday. The handover is expected to be a low-key affair, in contrast to previous releases that included ceremonial elements. Red Cross personnel will then escort Alexander through the secured passage to transfer him to the Israeli authorities.
Alexander’s family and US special envoy to the region, Steve Witkoff, both arrived in Israel on Monday morning. They are expected to reunite with him at the Re’im military base, just outside the Gaza border. Following the reunion, Alexander will be taken to a hospital for a medical evaluation.
