Hamas Announces Plan to Release American Hostage Edan Alexander

In a major breakthrough under President Donald Trump’s leadership, Hamas announced Sunday it plans to release American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander a move signaling that the terrorist group is finally feeling the pressure.

Alexander, a 21-year-old dual citizen born in Rockville, Maryland, was captured during Hamas’ brutal October 7 assault on Israel while serving in the Israel Defense Forces. Hamas has used him in propaganda videos ever since, holding him as leverage in ceasefire negotiations. Now, with Trump reasserting American strength in the Middle East, Hamas is signaling surrender or at least desperation.

“The Israeli soldier with dual American citizenship, [Edan] Alexander, will be released as part of the steps being taken toward a ceasefire,” the group stated.

But don’t let their sudden “positivity” fool you. This isn’t a humanitarian gesture. It’s a direct result of Trump’s diplomatic and military strategy. The terrorist group is buckling under growing pressure, including an impending Israeli ground operation and an aid system overhaul spearheaded by Trump himself.

Here’s what’s been happening behind the scenes:

• Trump ordered humanitarian aid to Gaza to be strictly managed by private firms, not Israel, with a clear directive to prevent Hamas from stealing or profiting from it a major shift from the Biden-era free-for-all.

• Israel's Operation Gideon’s Chariots is ready to launch, with plans to capture and retain new territory in Gaza unless Hamas complies before Trump’s trip to the region ends.

• U.S. officials have demanded Hamas release not just Alexander, but also the bodies of four other Americans still held by the group.

Trump’s strategy is clear: pressure, not appeasement. Under his direction, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee confirmed Friday that the new aid strategy excludes any role for Hamas or even Israeli ground involvement, preventing the terror group from hijacking the aid pipeline as it has in the past.

“Hamas has taken food that was intended to help very desperate citizens and stolen it... to buy weaponry to murder more people,” Huckabee emphasized.

Contrast that with the Biden years, when Hamas regularly exploited humanitarian shipments while the administration did little more than offer platitudes and demand Israeli restraint.

Edan Alexander’s parents have been notified and remain in contact with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who has been closely monitoring the negotiations. Reports out of Israel suggest the release could happen within the next 48 hours a major win not only for the Alexander family, but also for American foreign policy under Trump.

This isn’t just about one hostage. It’s about what strong leadership achieves. Hamas didn’t make this move during Biden’s presidency. They’re doing it now because Trump is back in charge.

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