This Is Why Hamas Released Edan Alexander, The Ugly Truth Behind The "Goodwill Gesture"

The release of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander after 584 days in Hamas captivity has been widely celebrated in Israel and the United States. However, media analysts argue that Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, emerged from the incident with notable strategic and diplomatic advantages, despite receiving no direct compensation in return.

Liqaa Maki, a researcher with Al Jazeera’s media institute, asserts that Hamas’s decision to release Alexander without an exchange deal handed the group a significant public relations and political victory. Chief among these, Maki claims, is the ability of Hamas to exploit and expose widening cracks in the relationship between Washington and Jerusalem.

According to Maki, the move has caused diplomatic embarrassment for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who now appears politically weakened and outmaneuvered in the eyes of U.S. President Donald Trump. “This wasn’t just the release of a hostage,” Maki explained. “It was a calculated maneuver that created a sense of distrust between two longstanding allies and raised questions about coordination and decision-making at the highest levels.”

Hamas also benefits from the growing perception, especially among critics of the Israeli government, that American lives are prioritized over Israeli ones. The release of Alexander, an American-Israeli dual citizen, without a corresponding deal for Israeli hostages, has led some to argue that Netanyahu is more responsive to pressure from Washington than to domestic demands for the return of all captives.

Perhaps most consequential, Maki argues, is that the event sets a precedent for direct U.S. engagement with Hamas, sidelining Israel in negotiations. This could mark a turning point in the war, as it suggests that Hamas has succeeded in drawing the U.S. into discussions that may ultimately lead to a ceasefire, a goal directly at odds with Israel’s stated position of continuing the military operation until Hamas is dismantled.

In Maki’s view, the group’s most substantial achievement is diplomatic: “By releasing Alexander now, Hamas has painted itself as a rational actor capable of negotiation and humanitarian gestures, all while Israel faces internal and international scrutiny.”

While Israel celebrates the safe return of Edan Alexander, Hamas appears to be leveraging the moment to strengthen its image, test alliances, and shift the political dynamics of the conflict in Gaza.