Hamas on Monday released an Israeli-American soldier who had been held hostage in Gaza for more than 19 months, offering a goodwill gesture toward the Trump administration that could lay the groundwork for a new ceasefire with Israel.

Hamas released Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, who is believed to be the last living U.S. citizen held captive in Gaza. NBC News’ Hala Gorani reports.

Direct negotiations are currently taking place in Doha, Qatar, between representatives of the group and a US administration official, he said. According to the official, talks have been ongoing for several days and are focused on securing a truce and facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid.

As with past videos, the statements made in the footage were evidently scripted by Hamas as part of the group's campaign of psychological warfare and enacted by the hostages under extreme duress