By Staff, Agencies

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has released an “Israeli”-American soldier, reiterating its readiness to begin Gaza ceasefire talks stalled by "Israel".

On Monday, Hamas said it released Edan Alexander “following contacts with the US administration”.

According to the statement, the move comes “as part of the efforts made by mediators to achieve a ceasefire, open crossings, and deliver aid to the Gaza Strip,” it said in a statement.

“This step comes after important communications in which Hamas demonstrated positivity and high flexibility,” the movement said.

Hamas stressed that “serious” talks will lead to the release of “Israeli” captives, warning that the ongoing “Israeli” war “will prolong their suffering and may kill them”.

The movement also reiterated its readiness to “immediately” begin talks aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement of a permanent ceasefire, leading to the withdrawal of “Israeli” troops, the end of the “Israeli” siege, the exchange of prisoners, and the reconstruction of Gaza.

Hamas urged the administration of US President Donald Trump “to continue its efforts to end this brutal war waged by the war criminal [‘Israel’s’ prime minister Benjamin] Netanyahu against children, women, and unarmed civilians in the Gaza Strip”.

According to media reports, Red Cross vehicles have picked up Edan Alexander north of Khan Yunis.

Trump had hoped that more captives would be released.

“We hope that we’re going to have other hostages released, too,” Trump said ahead of the expected release of Alexander.

“We’ll get Edan today,” he said.

The release coincided with the arrival of US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff at the Re'im military base, where Alexander was reportedly being transferred. “Israeli” media reported that Alexander is expected to travel to Qatar on Wednesday for a meeting with Trump.

Citing a US official, Channel 13 reported that following Alexander's release, immediate negotiations are expected to begin to reach a comprehensive agreement. The fate of other captives held in Gaza is now reportedly in the hands of US President Donald Trump, as both Hamas and "Israel" await Washington's next steps.

“Israeli” media also reported that the US is actively working to recover the remains of four American captives believed to have been killed during the war.