Red Cross receives U.S.-"Israeli" captive Edan Alexander

The International Committee of the Red Cross received US-"Israeli" captive Edan Alexander, May 12, after Hamas announced his release as part of ongoing ceasefire negotiations with the United States.

In a statement issued yesterday, Abu Obaida, the spokesperson for Hamas’ armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, confirmed the move: “The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades announced on Monday, May 12, 2025, that they had decided to release soldier with an American citizenship Edan Alexander.”

His release comes amid a renewed US-brokered effort to reach a ceasefire agreement that would end the seven-month 'Israeli' assault on the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths and a deepening humanitarian crisis.

On Sunday, Hamas announced it would release Alexander as a “goodwill gesture” in talks involving Washington. The group has consistently tied the release of captives to a broader agreement that includes a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of 'Israeli' forces, and the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes.

US President Donald Trump welcomed the news, expressing optimism that more progress could follow.

"I am grateful to all those involved in making this monumental news happen," Trump said in a post on social media. He described Alexander’s release as a “good faith gesture” and added: “Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict.”