UN Secretary-General Welcomes Release of US-Israeli Hostage by Hamas
Edan Alexander, the last known US hostage in Gaza, freed amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed relief over the release of Edan Alexander, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, who had been taken hostage during the attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Alexander, 21, was released on Sunday as part of ongoing efforts to negotiate a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.
He was believed to be the last living American hostage in Gaza.
Guterres emphasized his relief in a statement delivered by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, noting the importance of Mr. Alexander's return to his family.
He reiterated a call for an immediate, permanent ceasefire and the unconditional release of all remaining hostages, insisting that all hostages should be treated humanely and with dignity.
Alexander's parents, who reside in the United States, traveled to Israel for the handover and expressed gratitude to the administration of former President Donald Trump for facilitating their son's release.
Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, stated that the release of Alexander was viewed as a gesture of goodwill towards the former president, who is scheduled to make a significant visit to Saudi Arabia this week.
Edan Alexander, who served as an Israeli soldier, was abducted from his military post during the early hours of the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel.
The situation surrounding hostages has drawn international attention as mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States work to negotiate a resolution to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
In remarks made by Guterres, he called for rapid humanitarian relief efforts, stressing that the provision of aid is non-negotiable.
He commended the efforts of mediators and called on all involved parties to leverage the current momentum from Alexander’s release to develop a broader agreement aimed at resolving hostilities and ensuring humanitarian assistance reaches civilians in need.
Hamas confirmed its communication with the U.S. government regarding the hostage’s release.
Khalil Al-Hayya, a senior Hamas leader, indicated that the group is prepared to commence intensive negotiations aimed at achieving a long-term ceasefire with Israel.
A statement from Hamas identified the release of the soldier as part of mediatory efforts to facilitate humanitarian support and open crossings for aid to the Gaza Strip.
He was believed to be the last living American hostage in Gaza.
Guterres emphasized his relief in a statement delivered by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, noting the importance of Mr. Alexander's return to his family.
He reiterated a call for an immediate, permanent ceasefire and the unconditional release of all remaining hostages, insisting that all hostages should be treated humanely and with dignity.
Alexander's parents, who reside in the United States, traveled to Israel for the handover and expressed gratitude to the administration of former President Donald Trump for facilitating their son's release.
Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, stated that the release of Alexander was viewed as a gesture of goodwill towards the former president, who is scheduled to make a significant visit to Saudi Arabia this week.
Edan Alexander, who served as an Israeli soldier, was abducted from his military post during the early hours of the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel.
The situation surrounding hostages has drawn international attention as mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States work to negotiate a resolution to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
In remarks made by Guterres, he called for rapid humanitarian relief efforts, stressing that the provision of aid is non-negotiable.
He commended the efforts of mediators and called on all involved parties to leverage the current momentum from Alexander’s release to develop a broader agreement aimed at resolving hostilities and ensuring humanitarian assistance reaches civilians in need.
Hamas confirmed its communication with the U.S. government regarding the hostage’s release.
Khalil Al-Hayya, a senior Hamas leader, indicated that the group is prepared to commence intensive negotiations aimed at achieving a long-term ceasefire with Israel.
A statement from Hamas identified the release of the soldier as part of mediatory efforts to facilitate humanitarian support and open crossings for aid to the Gaza Strip.
