Edan Alexander was snatched from his military base in southern Israel during Hamas' cross-border attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which set off the war in Gaza. His expected release would be the first since Israel shattered an eight-week ceasefire with Hamas in March, when it unleashed fierce strikes on Gaza that have killed hundreds.

Alexander, a 21 year-old Israeli soldier raised in New Jersey, is the last remaining U.S. citizen captured by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023 and held in Gaza, who is believed to still be alive. The bodies of four other Americans are still held in Gaza,

Hamas says Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage in Gaza, will be released as part of efforts to establish a ceasefire, reopen crossings into the Israeli-blockaded territory and resume the delivery of aid.