UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his relief and welcomed the release of Edan Alexander, a US-Israeli dual national. Alexander was taken hostage during the Hamas attack on October 7th. Guterres acknowledged the efforts leading to Alexander's freedom and his return to his family after enduring a harrowing ordeal during his captivity in Gaza.

Following the release, the Secretary-General reiterated his urgent appeal for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He also stressed the crucial need for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages held in the territory. Guterres emphasized that all hostages must be treated humanely and with the utmost dignity during their captivity.

Alexander's parents, residing in the United States, reportedly traveled to Israel to be present for their son's handover. They conveyed their gratitude to the administration of US President Donald Trump for their instrumental role in securing Edan's release. President Trump's Middle East envoy also noted that Hamas's decision to release Alexander was a gesture of goodwill towards the US President.

In his official statement, Secretary-General Guterres further called upon all involved parties to ensure the swift, unimpeded, and secure delivery of essential humanitarian relief to all civilians in dire need in Gaza. He firmly stated that the provision of aid should not be subject to negotiation or conditions, highlighting the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis.

Finally, Guterres commended the persistent and dedicated efforts of the mediators, namely Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, in their attempts to bring an end to the protracted conflict between Israel and Hamas. He urged all parties to capitalize on this release to achieve a comprehensive agreement encompassing the release of all hostages, a cessation of hostilities, humanitarian aid provision, and the long-overdue alleviation of human suffering in Gaza.[/b]

Source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2600458/middle-east