Hamas Will Release Last American Hostage Edan Alexander, Trump Says

Hamas is preparing to release American hostage Edan Alexander, President Donald Trump announced Sunday, a move hailed by Vice President JD Vance and others as a major victory for American diplomacy.

“I am grateful to all those involved in making this monumental news happen,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “This was 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.”

Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American IDF soldier, was taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7 attacks. His unconditional release — if carried out — would not only be a humanitarian victory but also a significant diplomatic statement.

Vice President Vance reacted to the news on X, writing, “Pray that Hamas follows through and Edan gets to come home. If they do, it will have been another triumph of Steve Witkoff, who continues to face withering attacks for freeing hostages, negotiating complex diplomatic proposals, and serving his country (at great financial cost).”

Pray that Hamas follows through and Edan gets to come home.

If they do, it will have been another triumph of Steve Witkoff, who continues to face withering attacks for freeing hostages, negotiating complex diplomatic proposals, and serving his country (at great financial cost) https://t.co/etJWcGdVRT

— JD Vance (@JDVance) May 11, 2025

Vance’s comments come in the wake of a tweet from Alex Witkoff, son of U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who announced:

BREAKING: Hamas will release American hostage Edan Alexander unconditionally, citing pressure from President Trump. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff heads to Israel tomorrow to finalize the release, per Israeli journalist Barak Ravid. This is a historic diplomatic breakthrough pic.twitter.com/ACjML1GmBU

— Alex Witkoff (@Alex_Witkoff) May 11, 2025

The release would mark a rare instance of a high-profile American hostage being freed without conditions. (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Over 200 Days Into War, Family Of American Hostage in Gaza Strives For Deal To Bring Son Home)

Steve Witkoff has reportedly been working across regional lines to secure the release of American and Israeli hostages. The announcement re-centers Trump-era foreign policy figures like Witkoff, a real estate executive turned behind-the-scenes negotiator.

Witkoff will travel to Israel to finalize what could be a landmark moment in U.S.-Middle East relations.