Hamas Says It Will Free Last Living American Hostage in Gaza

Varda Ben Baruch holds a photo of her grandson, Edan Alexander, during a rally in Nir Oz, Israel, on April 20.
Photographer: Amir Levy/Getty Images

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Sherif Tarek and Dan Williams

May 11, 2025 at 3:17 PM EDT

Updated on

May 12, 2025 at 2:39 AM EDT

Hamas said it will release the last living American hostage held in Gaza after renewed talks with the US over a truce deal with Israel.

The freeing of 21-year-old Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, who’s a US citizen, is a step toward reaching a new ceasefire agreement in Gaza, the Palestinian militant group said late Sunday in a statement on Telegram.