Trump to Meet Freed U.S. Hostage Edan Alexander Amid Gaza Peace Push

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to meet Edan Alexander, the last known American hostage freed by Hamas in May, at the White House on Tuesday. The meeting coincides with the second anniversary of Hamas’ October 7, 2023, assault on Israel, which left around 1,200 dead and more than 250 hostages taken, according to Israeli figures. The ensuing Israeli military offensive in Gaza has resulted in over 67,000 Palestinian deaths, Gaza health officials report, with thousands more feared trapped under debris.

Trump’s meeting with Alexander follows his unveiling of a new proposal for Gaza’s future, which includes an end to Israel’s war and a path toward regional stability. Scheduled for 3 p.m. (1900 GMT), the meeting underscores Trump’s push to advance peace negotiations involving both Israeli and Hamas delegations, who met indirectly in Egypt on Monday to discuss the plan’s details. Key sticking points remain, including Hamas’ disarmament and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza.

Both sides have reportedly endorsed Trump’s proposal “in principle,” with support from several Arab and Western governments. However, the plan faces criticism from human rights groups for suggesting a transitional governance council overseen by a board led by Trump and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair—whose role in the Iraq War remains controversial.

Since taking office, Trump has vowed to swiftly end the Gaza conflict. His administration began with a two-month ceasefire that collapsed in March after Israeli airstrikes killed 400 Palestinians. Critics argue the U.S. remains complicit in Israel’s actions, with global outrage mounting over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Rights experts and a U.N. inquiry have described Israel’s campaign as genocidal, while Israel maintains it is acting in self-defense against Hamas.