Hamas Frees Last US Hostage in Gaza Amid Ongoing Israeli Strikes

Hamas has released Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage held in Gaza, after 19 months of captivity, marking a significant development amid the ongoing conflict. The release was facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross and occurred during a brief pause in Israeli military operations, although no ceasefire was agreed upon. Alexander, who served in the Israeli Defense Forces, was handed over dressed in civilian clothes and immediately reunited with his family in Israel, where he received medical treatment. Hamas described the release as a goodwill gesture linked to US mediation efforts, including those by President Donald Trump, while Israel credited its military pressure and strategy for the outcome. Despite the release, Israeli strikes on Gaza resumed shortly afterward, with no broader truce in place, even as UN-backed experts warn of a looming humanitarian crisis and famine in the region. The situation underscores the fragile and complex nature of efforts to resolve the conflict and secure the release of other hostages.