Cheers and tears: Edan Alexander's dramatic release from Gaza!

Cheers and tears: Edan Alexander's dramatic release from Gaza!

Edan Alexander, the last living American in Hamas' violence, was released after over 580 days. The release took place shortly before US President Donald Trump's Middle East trip and was seen as a gesture of "good will" to strengthen the relationship with the USA. Alexander was kidnapped on October 7, 2023 in a attack by Hamas in the south of Israel, when a total of around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were deported as hostages. He is considered the first male soldier to live out of the Hamas, who has been hostage from the hostage of the Gaza War,

The release was agreed between the Hamas and the USA without the participation of Israel. Alexander was handed over to representatives of the Red Cross and immediately received medical studies by the Israeli military. In a first report, Alexander von torture, handcuffs and inadequate food spoke during his captivity. After his release, he was brought to a clinic for treatment to ensure that he receives the necessary medical support.

reactions and geopolitical implications

The Israeli army briefly interrupted its attacks in the Gaza Strip, but plans to expand their military operations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who rejected an end to the war, demanded the complete disarmament of Hamas and made it clear that the break was only temporary. The previous indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, conveyed by the USA, Egypt and Qatar, have lost momentum. After all, there are still at least 20 living hostages in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli government is increasingly facing criticism, since Alexander's release is considered prioritarian, while other hostages may be neglected. The fact that no Palestinian prisoners were released during Alexander's release is particularly explosive. The situation in the Gaza Strip is tense, reports on a catastrophic humanitarian crisis: almost half a million Palestinians are in a needy location.

The role of the USA and the upcoming negotiations

The USA led direct discussions with Hamas to release Alexander, which is controversial. Trump described the release as a "monumental message" and praised the commitment of Qatar and Egypt. In view of the tense situation, negotiations on the release of further hostages are planned for Tuesday. Netanyahu has announced the sending of a negotiation team to Qatar, while Alexander's family hopes that other hostages will come.

The health authority, which is controlled by Hamas, reports that so far over 52,800 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip, which further illustrates the dramatic location on site. Experts warn of an upcoming famine in the area in which two million people are dependent on humanitarian aid.