Fears are growing for Edan Alexander, the last living U.S. citizen held hostage in Gaza, after Hamas reported losing contact with the group holding him following Israeli strikes on their location. Alexander, who was doing voluntary service with Israel’s military, was kidnapped in October 2023. His family expressed concerns after a video of him, likely in duress, was released by Hamas. Israeli officials state that over 1,200 people were killed during the Hamas-led terror attacks, with more than 51,000 deaths in the Israeli assault in Gaza since then.
Hamas had offered to release Alexander and four other dual-nationals in exchange for the start of negotiations for a ceasefire deal. However, Israeli forces broke the truce and resumed hostilities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has visited Gaza, calling on Hamas to release the hostages, but showing little sign of ending the conflict. There are at least 59 hostages believed to be remaining in Gaza, although less than half are thought to be alive. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has expressed concerns for their safety and doubts about Hamas’ credibility. The group has also criticized Netanyahu for not doing enough to secure the hostages’ release.
Hamas claimed to be under bombardment from Israel, making it difficult to reach the group holding Alexander. The status of the hostages and the situation in Gaza remain uncertain, with international pressure mounting for a resolution to the crisis.
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