Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander is scheduled for release today, May 12, following over 19 months in captivity.
A tentative handover is set for 18:30 local time in Khan Younis, Gaza. The transfer will be conducted by Hamas to Red Cross representatives and is expected to proceed "without ceremony," Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.
Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer attributed the release to "relentless military pressure exerted by our brave IDF forces." He emphasized that Israel has not agreed to a ceasefire or the release of "terrorists" and has not made concessions to Hamas.
Yael Alexander, Edan's mother, has arrived in Israel from the United States and is en route to the Re'im base on the Gaza border, where she is expected to reunite with her son following his release. She stated, "We cannot rest and we cannot forget, everyone needs to come home." She also expressed confidence in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ability to negotiate a deal, saying, "Now is the time."
Upon his release, Edan Alexander is anticipated to meet with US President Donald Trump in Qatar, contingent upon his health. Trump confirmed the release, describing it as a positive development ahead of his Middle East visit.
This release is part of broader negotiations involving the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Hamas, aiming to secure the freedom of all remaining hostages. While Israel has paused military operations to facilitate the handover, it maintains that there will be no ceasefire and that military operations will intensify thereafter.
By Vafa Guliyeva
Source: caliber.az
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