Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya announced on Sunday that the group will soon release American-Israeli captive Edan Alexander, citing the move as part of broader efforts to de-escalate tensions in Gaza and facilitate the launch of a comprehensive political settlement.

Speaking during a televised statement, al-Hayya confirmed that Alexander’s release will coincide with humanitarian and political measures, including the reopening of Gaza’s border crossings and the entry of urgently needed aid.

“Alexander will be released as part of the measures aimed at halting the aggression, reopening border crossings, and facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid and relief to our people in the Gaza Strip,” al-Hayya said.

The announcement comes amid increasing international pressure to transition from military confrontation toward a negotiated resolution, as U.S. officials intensify mediation efforts. Al-Hayya expressed Hamas’s readiness to engage in serious negotiations and called for a comprehensive agreement to end the war.

“Hamas reaffirms its readiness to immediately engage in intensive negotiations and to make serious efforts toward reaching a comprehensive agreement to end the war,” he stated. “We propose a mutually agreed prisoner exchange and the administration of the Gaza Strip by a professional, independent body to ensure lasting calm, reconstruction, and the lifting of the blockade.”

The announcement highlights a widening gap between the United States and Israel over the next steps in the Gaza conflict. While Israeli leaders have resisted ceasefire proposals and threatened to expand ground operations, U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly advancing a broader diplomatic plan.

According to Israel Hayom, Trump’s proposal focuses on reconstruction, civil governance, and minimizing Israel’s direct involvement in Gaza’s postwar administration. The plan reportedly includes integrating Hamas-aligned police into a broader Palestinian security framework, a controversial move expected to be presented to Israel as a "fait accompli."

Trump is expected to personally announce Alexander’s release. On his Truth Social platform, the former president hinted at a major development: “My next TRUTH will be one of the most important and impactful I have ever issued. ENJOY!”

U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff reportedly briefed Alexander’s family ahead of the public announcement, indicating close coordination between Washington and regional mediators.

Al-Hayya also extended Hamas’s gratitude to Qatar and Egypt for their ongoing mediation efforts, and thanked Türkiye for its sustained support during the crisis.

“We thank Qatar and Egypt as well as the continued support from Türkiye throughout this critical period,” al-Hayya said.

The release of Edan Alexander and Hamas’s public signal toward diplomacy mark a potential turning point in the conflict, though significant obstacles remain as political and military agendas diverge. (ILKHA)