Gaza, May 12 (UNI) Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, said on Monday that it will release Israeli-U.S. hostage Edan Alexander from the Gaza Strip.

Brigades spokesperson Abu Obeida issued a brief statement, stating that the decision was made by the group's leadership, without providing further details regarding the release.

Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official and head of the group's negotiating team, said on Sunday that the group would release Alexander from Gaza as part of efforts to secure a ceasefire and reopen border crossings for aid deliveries.

He said that Hamas had been in contact with the U.S. administration in recent days and had shown "great positivity" toward mediation efforts.

The developments came nearly one month after Hamas said it had lost contact with the group that guarded Alexander after an Israeli bombardment targeted their location.

Alexander was taken captive by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. He is believed to be the last living American hostage held in Gaza.

A temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was reached in January, allowing for the release of some hostages and the entry of humanitarian aid during an initial six-week phase. However, talks broke down after the first phase ended on March 1, halting both the prisoner exchange and aid deliveries.

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