Hamas on Monday released Edan Alexander, the last known living American hostage held in Gaza, marking a pivotal moment in ongoing negotiations involving Israel, Hamas, and the United States. The release represents a rare breakthrough after more than a year and a half of intense, high-stakes diplomacy and military confrontation following the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack that plunged the region into war.
Alexander, 21, who holds dual Israeli-American citizenship, was handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross and transferred into Israeli custody, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed. He is now undergoing medical and psychological evaluations at a reception center in Reim before being transported to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, where he will be reunited with his family.
The New Jersey native was one of around 250 people taken hostage when Hamas-led terrorists stormed southern Israel in a brutal surprise assault that killed more than 1,200 people and injured thousands. Since then, Israel has launched a relentless military campaign in Gaza, while international mediators — chiefly Qatar, Egypt, and the United States — have worked behind the scenes to secure the release of the remaining captives.
Hamas announced Sunday that Alexander’s release would be unconditional, a rare concession credited by all parties to direct talks facilitated by former President Donald Trump’s team. Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, arrived in Israel on Monday morning and is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later today.
“This was a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators — Qatar and Egypt — to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict.”
Alexander’s parents, who flew to Israel from New Jersey, expressed overwhelming relief and gratitude in a statement issued Sunday night.
“Today, on Mother’s Day, we received the greatest gift imaginable — news that our beautiful son Edan is returning home after 583 days in captivity in Gaza,” they wrote. “We urge the Israeli government and the negotiating teams: please don’t stop. No hostage should be left behind.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office hailed the release as a direct result of Israel’s uncompromising stance and military pressure in Gaza.
“The expected release of IDF soldier Edan Alexander without anything in return will be possible due to the vigorous policy that we have led with the backing of President Trump,” the statement read. It emphasized that while a temporary humanitarian corridor was agreed upon to allow Alexander's release, Israel has not accepted a ceasefire or made any reciprocal concessions, such as freeing Palestinian prisoners.
Alexander was serving in the Israel Defense Forces when he was captured during the October 7 attacks. Friends and family describe him as a warm, patriotic young man who remained committed to his Israeli roots even while growing up in the United States.
Of the approximately 250 hostages abducted that day, 145 have been returned alive through ceasefire deals or daring military operations. The bodies of dozens more have also been recovered. Israeli officials say 59 people remain in Hamas custody, with 24 still believed to be alive.
Among the remaining cases are four American citizens — Omer Neutra, Itay Chen, Gadi Haggai, and Judi Weinstein Haggai — all of whom are feared dead but whose remains are still being held in Gaza. U.S. officials have vowed to continue pressing for the return of all hostages, living or deceased.
The Biden administration, while not directly involved in the latest negotiation, has publicly supported the mediation efforts and continues to work behind the scenes through diplomatic channels.
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