GAZA CITY, Palestine: The Palestinian group Hamas on Monday released an Israeli-American hostage, Edan Alexander, to achieve a ceasefire in the Palestinian territory.
“This comes as part of the efforts being made by mediators to achieve a ceasefire, open the crossings, and allow aid and relief to reach our people in the Gaza Strip,” Hamas said in a statement.
“This step comes after important contacts in which Hamas demonstrated positivity and high flexibility.”
Hamas also asked the US administration to continue its efforts to end this brutal Israeli war against children, women, and defenceless civilians in the Gaza Strip.
Red Cross confirms Edan Alexander’s transfer
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has confirmed it “successfully facilitated the safe transfer of a hostage from Gaza to Israeli authorities”.
ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric, in a statement, welcomed Alexander’s release while calling for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.
“We are relieved that one more family has been reunited today. This nightmare, however, continues for the remaining hostages, their families, and hundreds of thousands of civilians across Gaza,” Spoljaric said.
“We urgently need political will to save lives and reinstate the ceasefire. It is critical that civilians are spared from hostilities, humanitarian relief enters Gaza, and more families are reunited.”
The ICRC also sought access to Palestinian detainees held by Israel.
Israeli military receives Edan Alexander
The Israeli military has confirmed that Edan Alexander has been handed over to its forces in Gaza, following his release by Hamas’s armed wing to the Red Cross.
“The returning hostage is currently being accompanied by [military] special forces on his return to Israeli territory, where he will undergo an initial medical assessment and meet with his family,” a statement said.
Trump welcomes release of hostage
“Congratulations to his wonderful parents, family, and friends!” the US president says in a social media post.
Trump on Sunday called the planned release “a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators – Qatar and Egypt – to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones”.
“Hopefully, this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict. I look very much forward to that day of celebration!” Trump posted.
