Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander returns to Israel after being freed by Hamas
Hamas has freed a hostage in Gaza as it tries to get a ceasefire deal over the line.
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Edan Alexander, 21, is thought to be the last living Israeli-American held since the October 7th attacks.
It is considered a goodwill gesture towards the Trump administration as the US President prepares to visit the Middle East.
In a statement, Hamas said: "The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades released the captured Israeli soldier, Idan Alexander, a US citizen, a short while ago, following contacts with the US administration.
"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."
Mr Alexander, from New Jersey, was 19 when he was taken hostage from his base on the Gazan border in southern Israel during the October 7 Hamas attacks.
He was transferred by the Red Cross to the Israel Defence Forces.
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The militant group's statement continued: "This step comes after important contacts in which Hamas demonstrated positivity and high flexibility.
"We affirm that serious and responsible negotiations achieve results in the release of prisoners. However, continuing the aggression prolongs their suffering and may kill them.
Mr Alexander's parents made the journey to Israel, from the US, for the expected release.
An IDF statement said: "The returning hostage is currently being accompanied by IDF special forces on his return to Israeli territory, where he will undergo an initial medical assessment and meet with his family.
"The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the returning hostage as he makes his way home to the State of Israel.
"The IDF Spokesperson's Unit asks everyone to respect the privacy of the returning hostage and his family."
The family said they were grateful Donald Trump's administration for securing the release.
Hamas concluded: "We affirm the movement's readiness to immediately begin negotiations to reach a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire agreement, including the withdrawal of the occupation army, the end of the siege, a prisoner exchange, and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
"We urge the Trump administration to continue its efforts to end this brutal war waged by the war criminal Netanyahu against children, women, and defenceless civilians in the Gaza Strip."