Tue Apr 15 16:56:35 UTC 2025: ## Hamas Loses Contact with American Hostage in Gaza, Claims Israeli Attack

**Jerusalem, April 15, 2025** – Hamas’s armed wing announced Tuesday that it has lost contact with Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old soldier captured during the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The group claims the loss of contact followed an Israeli military attack on the location where Alexander was being held within the Gaza Strip. The exact location remains undisclosed.

Following the announcement, Hamas released a video threatening the families of remaining hostages, warning that their loved ones would be returned “in black coffins” as a result of Israeli military action. While Hamas has previously blamed Israel for hostage deaths attributed to military operations, they have also admitted at least one instance of a hostage being killed by a guard acting against orders.

The Israeli military has yet to respond to requests for comment. The release of Alexander, believed to be the last remaining American hostage held by Hamas in Gaza, has been identified as a top priority by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff.

Reports earlier in the day suggested that Alexander was among a group of up to 10 hostages who could be released as part of a new ceasefire deal, citing a conversation between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the mother of another hostage. However, Netanyahu’s office has yet to comment.

Alexander was last shown in a video released by Hamas on Saturday, April 12th. His release was a central topic during talks between Hamas leaders and U.S. hostage negotiator Adam Boehler last month. While Hamas released 38 hostages following a ceasefire that began January 19th, the ceasefire was broken in March after Hamas rejected Israeli proposals. Israel has resumed its ground and aerial offensive, stating that it will continue until all 59 hostages are freed and Gaza is demilitarized. Hamas maintains that hostage releases are contingent upon a deal to end the war and rejects demands for disarmament.

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