The planned release of the last living U.S. hostage still in captivity followed direct contact between Hamas and Trump administration officials, the group said.

Hamas on Monday released Edan Alexander, the last known living American hostage in Gaza after 18 months in captivity.

Hamas has released an Israeli-American hostage held captive for 19 months to Israeli forces as part of efforts to reach a new ceasefire deal, the group said. Edan Alexander, 21, had been serving in the Israeli army on the border of Gaza when he was captured by Hamas militants on 7 October 2023.