Israeli defense officials announced on Monday that representatives are en route to a designated handover site in Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza, to receive American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander from Hamas custody. The transfer is expected to be conducted under the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
According to Israeli sources, Alexander will first be handed over to Red Cross personnel, who will then escort him to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Special Forces stationed within the Gaza Strip. From there, he will be transported to a secure facility at the Re’im base inside Israel.
Video footage emerging from Gaza shows preparations underway in Khan Younis, where the exchange is anticipated to take place. However, Hamas is not expected to broadcast the event live or release visuals of the handover.
When asked if the release of Edan Alexander could pave the way toward a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed cautious optimism. “We hope that we’re going to have other hostages released,” Trump said. He added that following Alexander’s release, 20 living hostages would still remain in Gaza, with the total number of hostages — living and deceased — at 58.
Israel has not confirmed these figures. However, it has acknowledged that of the 24 hostages previously believed to be alive, three may have been killed during recent Israeli military operations in Gaza.
In a separate development, President Trump also commented on U.S.-Iran relations, following a fourth round of nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Speaking during a White House press conference, Trump said, “There are very good things happening” with Iran. Emphasizing U.S. concerns over nuclear proliferation, he added, “They can’t have a nuclear weapon, but I think that they are talking intelligently.”
“We’re talking to them, and they’re acting very intelligent,” Trump continued. “We want Iran to be wealthy and wonderful and happy and great, but they can’t have a nuclear weapon.”
Also Read: Hamas to release Israeli-American hostage ahead of Trump visit
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