CNN: Last Living American Hostage by Hamas Is Being Released Within the Next Two Days

Dean: “Jeremy, tell us how this came together and what more you‘re learning.”
DIAMOND: “Well, this is very significant news, Jessica. Edan Alexander is indeed the last living American held hostage in Gaza by Hamas. And I‘m told by a source familiar with the matter that he will be released within the next two days. It‘s not clear yet whether that will be tomorrow or Tuesday, but that is indeed the plan for him to be released. Steve Witkoff, President Trump‘s special envoy for the Middle East, who was instrumental in negotiating this, what is described as a goodwill gesture on Hamas‘ part to release Edan Alexander, Witkoff will be flying to Tel Aviv tomorrow morning, I‘m told, and he will be on hand in order to welcome Edan Alexander home and out of Hamas captivity after 19 months. Alexander is an Israeli soldier. He was taken captive by Hamas on October 7th, has been held captive by Hamas since then. A little less than a month ago, Hamas had announced that it lost contact with the Hamas militants who were guarding Alexander, raising questions about whether or not he was even alive. But this deal and this announcement by Hamas to release him now confirms that he is indeed alive, and he is now expected to be released. Now, what will follow here, according to the source that I spoke with, is immediate negotiations in order to try and secure the release of additional hostages and negotiations that could perhaps even lead ultimately to the end of the war, or at least a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli prime minister‘s office indeed acknowledging that that is what the United States has said, that this move is expected to lead to additional negotiations. But Israel isn‘t giving up anything in order to get Alexander out here. No Palestinian prisoners will be released. Again, this is a goodwill gesture on Hamas‘ part, according to a source that I spoke with, one that is intended to try and jump-start future negotiations. I‘m also told that as this is coming, days before President Trump arrives in the region, that this agreement for Edan Alexander to be released would not have happened without President Trump, according to my source familiar with these negotiations. Jessica?”
Dean: “Just incredible news. 19 months, as you note, in captivity, Jeremy.”