Trump Cuts Israel Out to Free Edan Alexander in Secret Deal with Hamas

The release of Edan Alexander, a dual Israeli-American citizen held hostage by Hamas, dominated U.S. media coverage yesterday (Monday), with outlets emphasizing the Trump administration’s role in securing his freedom and Israel’s apparent exclusion from the deal. Alexander’s release, after 584 days in Gaza, was framed as a diplomatic win for President Donald Trump, though it showed serious tensions with Israeli leadership, according to reports.

The New York Times headlined its story, “Hamas released an American held in Gaza in a deal bypassing Israel,” noting that Alexander’s release followed pressure from Trump, who is visiting the Middle East. The article quoted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim that the release showed the value of military pressure, but added that critics argued it highlighted the failure of this approach, as “American pressure, not Israeli action” drove the outcome.

The Times reported growing Israeli support for a deal to free all hostages, even if it means ending the war and allowing Hamas to persist. It also noted Netanyahu’s decision to send a delegation to Doha for talks on a temporary ceasefire and the Witkoff framework, which disappointed advocates for a broader hostage release deal.

CNN reported that “the Trump administration bypassed Israel” to negotiate Alexander’s release, citing Hamas official Mohammed Mardawi, who claimed direct U.S. talks in exchange for resuming humanitarian aid to Gaza. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff countered that the talks were not direct.

CNN highlighted that 58 hostages remain in Gaza, with at least 20 believed alive, including four deceased American citizens: Gadi Haggai, Judy Weinstein, and soldiers Itai Chen and Omer Neutra.

The Washington Post described the release as a “goodwill gesture to Trump,” emphasizing that it occurred without the “cruel and exploitative ceremonies” criticized by U.S. and Israeli officials. The article noted that Israel was informed of the deal only 24 hours prior, citing an Israeli source, and interpreted the move as a sign of strained relations between Trump and Netanyahu. The Wall Street Journal headlined, “Hamas releases the last American hostage from Gaza,” reinforcing the focus on Alexander’s U.S. citizenship.

Arab media also covered the release extensively. Qatar’s Al-Araby channel aired footage of Red Cross vehicles transferring Alexander to IDF forces. Al Jazeera published a profile, “Who is Edan Alexander, the American soldier captured by Hamas in Gaza?” detailing his life from childhood to IDF service.

Qatar’s Al-Araby Al-Jadeed called the release a surprise, citing stalled broader talks. They also quoted a political expert who suggested Hamas aims to deepen divisions between Trump and Netanyahu by encouraging U.S. actions independent of Israel, as seen in a Yemen ceasefire mediated by Oman. The outlet also profiled Adam Boehler, labeling him “the shadow figure in the Edan Alexander deal.”