Jerusalem: US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Israel on Monday ahead of the expected release of Israeli-American captive Edan Alexander from Gaza. The Israeli daily Maariv reported that Witkoff is set to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer during his visit.
According to Anadolu Agency, Israeli Channel 12 also noted that US Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler will arrive in Israel, accompanied by Alexander's mother. The Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian resistance group Hamas, confirmed its plans to release Alexander on Monday.
Alexander will be released in Khan Younis, located in the southern Gaza Strip, as reported by the Israeli public broadcaster KAN. President Trump stated on Sunday that Hamas' forthcoming release of the soldier marks a "step taken in good faith" towards the US and regional mediators, signaling that it might be the first of the "final steps" needed to end Israel's war.
Alexander, who was serving in an elite infantry unit on the Gaza border, is recognized as the last remaining American hostage in Gaza who is still alive. Hamas indicated that the soldier's release is part of several steps aimed at facilitating a ceasefire, reopening border crossings, and allowing humanitarian aid and relief supplies into the Gaza Strip.
The anticipated release comes just before Trump's planned tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, which is scheduled from Tuesday through Friday. Notably, the itinerary does not include a visit to Israel. This trip is taking place amid reports of rising tensions between Trump and Netanyahu, including allegations that Trump has cut off direct communication over suspicions that the Israeli premier is manipulating the US administration.
The conflict has resulted in the deaths of more than 52,800 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023, most of whom are women and children. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice due to its actions in the enclave.