Hamas to release Israeli-American hostage in bid to secure Gaza ceasefire

Unlock the White House Watch newsletter for free

Your guide to what Trump’s second term means for Washington, business and the world

Hamas said on Sunday it would release an Israeli-American hostage held in Gaza as a goodwill gesture to Donald Trump, ahead of a visit to the Middle East this week by the US president.

Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya said the move to release Edan Alexander was being taken after talks with US officials, where the Palestinian militant group showed a “high level of positivity” in a bid to secure a ceasefire with Israel and end the war in Gaza.

Alexander “will be released as part of the steps being taken to achieve a ceasefire . . . and allow the entry of aid and humanitarian relief for our people in the Gaza Strip”, Hayya added.

A diplomat briefed on the talks confirmed the agreement to release Alexander came about after the US engaged directly with Hamas.

This is a developing story