Hamas announced Sunday that it will release Edan Alexander, the last known living American hostage held in Gaza since the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel.

The U.S.-Israeli dual citizen’s release, expected as early as Monday, follows direct negotiations between Hamas and U.S. officials. Talks aim to secure a ceasefire, open Gaza’s border crossings, and allow humanitarian aid into the blockaded territory.

Hamas negotiator Khalid Al Hayya confirmed the group’s readiness to start "intensive negotiations" for a broader agreement, including a prisoner exchange and the establishment of an independent authority to administer Gaza.

"The release of Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, who holds dual US citizenship, will be part of the efforts being made to achieve a ceasefire, open the crossings, and allow aid and relief to reach our people in the Gaza Strip. The movement affirms its readiness to do so," Hamas negotiator Khalid Al Hayya said in a statement issued Sunday.

"The movement affirms its readiness to immediately start intensive negotiations, and make serious efforts to reach a final agreement to stop the war, exchange prisoners in an agreed manner, and manage the Gaza Strip by an independent professional body," he added.

The move is seen as a goodwill gesture to U.S. President Donald Trump, currently visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.

Trump hailed the development as "monumental," crediting mediators Qatar and Egypt for advancing peace efforts.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff will arrive in Tel Aviv Monday to finalize Alexander’s release, joined by the hostage’s parents and U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Response Adam Boehler.

The Alexander family called the news "the greatest gift imaginable" and thanked “US President Donald Trump, his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and the US administration for their tireless work to make this happen."

Israel will not release Palestinian prisoners as part of the deal, but the deal could lead to immediate peace talks despite Israel’s plans to expand military operations in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed Hamas’ intent to release Alexander "without conditions," though negotiations for other hostages will continue even amid ongoing conflict.

The announcement comes amid reports of a rift between Trump and Netanyahu, with claims the U.S. excluded Israel from talks—a potential blow to the Israeli leader facing domestic criticism for prolonging the war.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee denied the rift, calling hostage recovery Trump’s top priority.

"Prime Minister Netanyahu has spent more time with President Trump than I have in the past couple of months, and it’s a warm and personal, cordial relationship," Huckabee told Hebrew news network Channel 12.

"I would just say to people, ‘relax, calm down, Donald Trump loves you, there’s no doubt about that, he’s got your back,'" he continued. "He is the same Donald Trump that, for four years as president, did more for Israel than any other American president."

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged Netanyahu to secure a comprehensive deal for the remaining 59 hostages, 21 of whom Trump says are alive—fewer than Israel’s official count of 24.

Gaza’s humanitarian crisis has deepened as Israel’s blockade, ongoing since March 2, has depleted food, medical supplies, and aid stocks.

The Gaza Ministry of Health reports 43% of essential medications are unavailable, while UNRWA warns of critical shortages of food, fuel, and vaccines.

Qatar and Egypt hailed Alexander’s release as an "encouraging step" toward a ceasefire and resumption of humanitarian aid.