Hamas says it released hostage in goodwill gesture towards Trump administration

People in Tel Aviv watch a live broadcast of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander as he is released from Hamas captivity in Gaza. Picture: Oded Balilty

An Israeli-American soldier held hostage for more than 19 months in the Gaza Strip was released on Monday, Hamas said, in a goodwill gesture towards the Trump administration in the US that could lay the groundwork for a new ceasefire with Israel.

The Israeli military confirmed that Edan Alexander had been turned over to the Red Cross and was being taken to Israeli forces.