SOFREP Evening Brief: Hamas Releases American-Israeli Hostage Edan Alexander, Russia Launches Drone Barrage as Peace Talks Loom

Good evening! SOFREP’s evening brief is here, wrapping up your Monday with the latest updates on defense and global affairs for May 12, 2025: Hamas freed American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander ahead of Trump’s Middle East visit, with no ceasefire deal reached. Israel continues its Gaza offensive, with 58 hostages still held and over 52,800 Palestinians killed. The PKK announced it is ending its armed fight against Turkey. Nordic leaders met over Arctic security amid Trump’s renewed push to buy Greenland. Russia rejected a 30-day ceasefire but agreed to attend peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, where Trump may join. Taiwan held its first live-fire HIMARS drill amid China tensions. India and Pakistan traded missile strikes over Kashmir before a US-brokered ceasefire, with Trump offering to mediate—welcomed by Pakistan, ignored by India.

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Hamas Releases American-Israeli Hostage Edan Alexander Ahead of Trump’s Middle East Visit

Hamas released 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander on Monday after nearly 600 days in captivity, calling it a goodwill gesture toward the Trump administration ahead of US President Donald Trump’s diplomatic visit to the Middle East.

Alexander, who was abducted during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel, is the first hostage freed since Israel resumed its offensive in Gaza following a broken ceasefire in March.

Alexander was handed over to the Red Cross and flown to a hospital in Tel Aviv, where he reunited with his family. His release sparked celebrations in both Israel and his hometown of Tenafly, New Jersey, where supporters had rallied weekly since his abduction.

Redemption of Hostages

Staff-Sgt. Edan Alexander, reunites with his family at the initial reception facility. pic.twitter.com/PDp8uX48ce

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) May 12, 2025

The Israeli government stated no concessions were made for Alexander’s release and emphasized that no ceasefire or prisoner exchanges were agreed upon.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu credited the release to “military and diplomatic pressure,” including support from President Trump.

Trump hailed the move as a “step taken in good faith” and expressed hope it would lead to a broader ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages. Netanyahu’s office confirmed a delegation would travel to Doha for renewed negotiations but stressed talks would proceed “under fire,” signaling Israel’s intention to continue its military campaign.

Despite Alexander’s release, Israel maintains that 58 hostages remain in Gaza, with 23 believed to be alive. The war’s humanitarian toll continues to mount. More than 52,800 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, while 90% of the population has been displaced amid severe shortages of food, water, and medical aid.

Criticism of Netanyahu intensified after the release, with opponents accusing him of relying on US intervention and failing to prioritize the return of hostages.

Netanyahu, who is also facing a corruption trial, defends the ongoing offensive as necessary to dismantle Hamas and secure the hostages’ release.

The Israel Police is honored to escort Edan Alexander back into the loving arms of his people after he was held against his will in Hamas captivity. We stand with him and with every family still waiting for their loved one to return. pic.twitter.com/Udf9OdzCcF

— Israel Police (@israelpolice) May 12, 2025

Israel has postponed a planned escalation in Gaza operations until after Trump’s visit to allow time for possible ceasefire progress. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged Netanyahu to seize this “historic opportunity” to strike a deal and end the war.

PKK Announces Dissolution, Ending Decades-Long Armed Struggle Against Turkish State

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) announced Monday that it has formally dissolved its organizational structure and ended its armed insurgency against Turkey, bringing an official close to a four-decade conflict that has claimed over 40,000 lives.

The decision was made during the group’s 12th Congress in the Kandil mountains of northern Iraq, according to a statement published by the pro-Kurdish ANF news agency.

The move follows an appeal made in February by the group’s imprisoned founder, Abdullah Ocalan, who called on fighters to disarm and disband. Held in Turkey since 1999, Ocalan urged the PKK to formalize the decision through a congress, which the group fulfilled last week, also declaring a ceasefire.

“This is not the end, it is a new beginning,” PKK executive committee member Duran Kalkan told attendees, signaling a shift in strategy for the once-armed movement that began its campaign in 1984 with the goal of establishing a Kurdish homeland.

🔴 The Kurdistan Worker’s Party (#PKK) on Monday announced its decision to dissolve its organisational structure and end its armed struggle against the #Turkish state, a move which could pave the way to end a conflict that has lasted for four decades.

📹 @camille_knight1 pic.twitter.com/CPgAwethMr

— FRANCE 24 English (@France24_en) May 12, 2025

The announcement drew a cautious welcome from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s ruling AKP party.

Party spokesman Ömer Çelik called it an “important step toward a terror-free Turkey” but emphasized that the government will closely monitor whether the decision is implemented fully and effectively.

Analysts suggest the timing is politically significant. Erdoğan, having recently faced electoral setbacks, could use the dissolution to reset relations with Turkey’s Kurdish population and potentially push constitutional changes that may extend his political tenure.

“If this whole process succeeds, he will go into the 2028 elections as a stronger candidate,” said Gonul Tol of the Middle East Institute.

The PKK, designated a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, has been one of the most entrenched non-state militant actors in the region. Its decision to disband marks a potential turning point in Turkey’s internal security dynamics and broader political landscape.

Nordic Leaders Convene to Address Arctic Security

Leaders from Denmark, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Norway will meet Monday in Torshavn, capital of the Faroe Islands, to discuss growing security concerns in the Arctic and North Atlantic.

The meeting comes amid heightened tensions following US President Donald Trump’s continued efforts to gain control of Greenland—a move that has drawn sharp criticism across the region.

Trump has cited national security as justification for acquiring the strategically important, resource-rich island and has refused to rule out the use of force to secure it. His remarks have alarmed leaders not only in Greenland and Denmark but also in other Arctic regions, including Iceland and Norway’s Svalbard archipelago.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized the importance of regional coordination, stating, “It is natural that we, in this circle of countries, meet to discuss the current security situation in the Arctic and the North Atlantic.”

Participants in the talks will include Frederiksen, Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir, and Faroe Islands Prime Minister Aksel Johannesen. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre will join via video link.

Leaders from #Iceland, #Denmark, #Greenland and the #FaroeIslands met today to discuss security in the North Atlantic and #Arctic. #Norway joined via video. PM Johannesen stated that “stronger dialogue and cooperation are more important than ever.” pic.twitter.com/yJW7epsKBC

— The Government of the Faroe Islands 🇫🇴 (@Tinganes) May 12, 2025

Danish and Greenlandic officials have reiterated that Greenland’s future will be decided by its own people, declaring firmly that “the US will not get Greenland.”

Russia Launches Drone Barrage as Peace Talks Loom; Trump May Attend Istanbul Summit

Russia launched more than 100 Shahed and decoy drones in overnight attacks on Ukraine early Monday, hours after effectively rejecting a US- and European-backed proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. Despite the escalation, the Kremlin confirmed it is open to participating in peace talks with Ukraine later this week in Turkey — but without preconditions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet face-to-face in Istanbul on Thursday. While Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to confirm who would represent Moscow, he reiterated Russia’s interest in a “long-term peaceful settlement.”

US President Donald Trump welcomed the possibility of talks, saying a “good meeting” could occur and hinted he might fly from Qatar or the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to attend.

Zelenskyy backed Trump’s involvement and thanked him for his mediation efforts.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who spoke with Putin, Zelenskyy, and Trump separately, declared a “new window of opportunity” for peace and emphasized Turkey’s readiness to host negotiations. He expressed confidence in Trump’s diplomatic approach, citing past near-breakthroughs in 2022.

Western leaders renewed calls for a ceasefire before talks commence. Zelenskyy and European allies, including France and Germany, demanded Russia stop hostilities before Thursday’s summit. France warned that further sanctions would follow if Moscow refused. British and Swedish leaders echoed that pressure in separate high-level meetings.

Russia dismissed the truce conditions as “ultimatums.” Peskov warned that such demands are unacceptable and ineffective when dealing with Moscow.

The US and Europe remain heavily invested in ending Europe’s largest war since World War II. Russia controls roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory, and the ongoing conflict has killed tens of thousands of troops and over 10,000 Ukrainian civilians.

As the Istanbul summit approaches, all eyes will be on whether a meaningful diplomatic breakthrough can emerge — and whether the presence of Trump, a key mediator, might help bridge the deep divide between Kyiv and Moscow.

Taiwan Conducts First Live-Fire HIMARS Drill

Taiwan on Monday conducted its first live-fire exercise using US-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), marking a significant step in its military modernization aimed at deterring a potential Chinese invasion.

The drill took place at the Jiupeng base in southern Pingtung County, with AFP journalists observing the test launch.

The HIMARS, delivered in a batch of 11 units in November, are truck-mounted systems capable of firing multiple precision-guided rockets. The system has proven highly effective in Ukraine’s defense against Russian forces.

#HIMARS debuts in #Taiwan, showcasing rapid deployment and next-generation strike capabilities.#ROCArmedForces pic.twitter.com/n0Uikc8jCX

— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) May 12, 2025

China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has repeatedly threatened to use force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan, significantly outgunned in a potential conflict with Beijing, continues to rely heavily on US arms to bolster its defense posture.

Though Washington cut formal diplomatic ties with Taipei in 1979, it remains Taiwan’s primary arms supplier and strategic backer. Over the past five decades, the US has provided billions in military equipment, including F-16 fighter jets and naval assets—moves that consistently draw sharp criticism from Beijing.

India-Pakistan Missile Strikes Escalate Kashmir Tensions Before US-Brokered Ceasefire

A dangerous escalation between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan last week brought both countries to the brink of war, as they launched missiles, drones, and artillery across borders and deep into each other’s territory.

The fighting, triggered by a deadly attack on Hindu tourists in Kashmir, ended only after US-led mediation facilitated a ceasefire.

For four days, both nations struck military installations far from the contested Line of Control (LoC), marking a departure from prior clashes largely confined to Kashmir. Dozens were killed, and both sides claimed successful retaliatory strikes that met strategic objectives.

Experts say the episode has deepened hostilities and shifted the threshold for escalation in South Asia’s most volatile flashpoint.

US President Donald Trump played a central role in brokering the ceasefire and offered to mediate the Kashmir dispute. While Pakistan welcomed the gesture, India did not publicly acknowledge Trump’s offer, maintaining that Kashmir is a domestic issue.

The Indian government instead credited direct military communication with Pakistan for halting hostilities.

Trump’s push for a “solution” to the Kashmir conflict sparked criticism within India, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration has consistently rejected third-party involvement.

“I salute the forces, the world saw our might.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivers an address saying, ‘the operations we ran was something we did for justice.’https://t.co/oksT95zeR2

📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/frI13X6yYA

— Sky News (@SkyNews) May 12, 2025

Analysts say Trump’s comments helped Pakistan in its long-standing goal to internationalize the Kashmir issue, a move India sees as undermining its sovereignty.

The latest round of violence erupted after India blamed Pakistan for the killing of 26 people in a recent Kashmir attack. Pakistan denied involvement. The back-and-forth missile exchanges quickly raised fears of a larger conflict. Kashmir, claimed in full by both countries, remains the focal point of their rivalry and has been the cause of two previous wars.

Residents on both sides of the Kashmir divide have expressed relief over the ceasefire but emphasized that real peace can only come with a lasting resolution to the territorial dispute. Analysts argue that any meaningful dialogue must include Kashmiri voices.

Sources: News Agencies