Released Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander will not be traveling to Qatar following his release from Hamas captivity. While initial plans had suggested the possibility of a meeting between Alexander and US President Donald Trump in Doha, the source confirmed that the former hostage would instead remain in Israel for the time being due to medical considerations.
Alexander, who holds dual citizenship, was released earlier this week as part of an effort mediated by US officials and facilitated by Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. His family has expressed deep gratitude for the administration’s role in securing his freedom, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.
According to the family, Alexander will eventually speak with President Trump and may visit Washington, depending on his recovery and medical condition. His release has become a symbolic success for US diplomatic efforts in the region, coinciding with Trump's ongoing tour of the Gulf states.
President Trump is scheduled to land in Riyadh on May 13, before traveling to the UAE and Qatar. His trip is aimed at securing regional investment, advancing ceasefire efforts in Gaza, and countering Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The timing is significant, coming just one day after the release of Alexander, which has injected fresh momentum into US-led negotiations with both Israel and Hamas.
Meanwhile, Hamas issued a statement affirming that Alexander’s release came not as a result of Israeli military pressure, but through diplomatic engagement. “The return of Edan Alexander was made possible through serious negotiations with the US administration and the efforts of mediators, and not as a result of Israeli aggression and military pressure,” the organization declared via its official Telegram channel.
Hamas emphasized that any future agreements — including a potential large-scale prisoner swap and suspension of hostilities — must be achieved through diplomacy rather than force. “A deal to exchange [Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners] and suspend hostilities can only be concluded through diplomatic means,” the group stated.
Alexander was handed over to representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, marking the first tangible result of the renewed US mediation effort led by Witkoff and hostage envoy Adam Boehler, who both arrived in Israel on May 12.
By Vafa Guliyeva
Source: caliber.az
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