Hamas announces it will release last living Israeli American hostage [Video]

Hamas says Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage in Gaza, will be released Monday as part of efforts to establish a ceasefire, reopen crossings into the Israeli-blockaded territory and resume the delivery of aid.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed late Sunday in a message to The Associated Press that Hamas had agreed to release Alexander as a good will gesture toward Trump. 

The announcement comes shortly before Trump visits the Middle East this week. Trump is not planning to visit Israel.  It highlighted the willingness of Israel’s closest ally to inject momentum into ceasefire talks for the 19-month war as desperation grows among the families of hostages, and Gaza’s over 2 million people under the new Israeli blockade.

“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 …