The Hamas militant group is set to release an American hostage with Israeli roots.
This move comes ahead of former US President Donald Trump’s upcoming trip to the Middle East.
The hostage, 21-year-old Eden Alexander, was captured during Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel.
Alexander was part of an Israeli infantry unit stationed near the Gaza border.
He is believed to be the last living American hostage held in Gaza.
Hamas announced it will release Alexander as part of a broader effort to reach a ceasefire agreement.
The group hopes to facilitate a deal that will allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The region has been under blockade for over 70 days.
A senior Hamas official told the BBC that the group is in direct talks with US officials in Qatar.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office said it was informed by the US about Hamas’s plan to release Alexander.
Talks between Hamas and mediators are set to continue on Monday.
They will discuss the final details of Alexander’s release.
Israel will need to halt its military activities, including airstrikes, during the transfer.
There are currently 59 hostages still being held after the October 7 attack.
Only 24 are believed to be alive, including Alexander.
The release of Alexander could be a step towards a larger ceasefire deal.
It may also ease tensions ahead of Trump’s visit to the region.
The source of this information is bbc.