Edan Alexander, the last known American hostage in Gaza, was released by Hamas after 18 months and reunited with his family. His release followed US-mediated talks with Hamas, aimed at achieving a ceasefire and resuming humanitarian aid. Alexander underwent a medical assessment, appearing stable, and celebrated with family in Tel Aviv, where his mother expressed her relief. Despite his release, 58 hostages remain in Gaza. President Trump praised the negotiation efforts, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu credited military pressure. Alexander’s family thanked US officials for their role and expressed their joy at his homecoming.
Jerusalem
CNN
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Edan Alexander, the last known American hostage in Gaza, was freed by Hamas and reunited with his family on Monday, bringing closure to an 18-month ordeal that began with the group’s attack on October 7.
Hamas declared on Sunday that it had consented to Alexander’s release, 21, following several days of discussions with the United States, bypassing Israeli involvement, which formed a part of efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire and reinstating humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Dressed in a black Adidas t-shirt and a baseball cap, Alexander was seen during his transfer to the Red Cross, shortly before his vehicle left Khan Younis for Israel. He subsequently reached an Israeli military facility for a medical evaluation and a long-anticipated reunion with his family.
Alexander managed to speak with his mother, Yael, via phone after being released. Video shared by the Israel Defense Forces captured Steve Witkoff, the US Middle East envoy, passing a phone to Yael.
“You’re free, my soul, you’re free!” she joyfully exclaimed in the emotional video. “Everything’s alright, you’re safe, you’re home. Everything is good. You’ve got this. You’re strong. We’ll see each other soon.”
Following a medical assessment, Professor Gil Fire from Tel Aviv’s Sourasky Medical Center stated on Tuesday that Alexander’s condition appeared “stable overall.” He noted that Alexander was born in the same hospital, adding that further evaluation of the effects of his prolonged captivity would be conducted in the days ahead.
In Tel Aviv, Alexander was seen holding US and Israeli flags while embracing various family members. This reunion coincides with US President Donald Trump’s Middle East tour, including visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
The Trump administration bypassed Israeli channels to finalize the release agreement with Hamas, framing it as a necessary step “to end this brutal war and bring all living hostages and remains back to their families.”
Originally from New Jersey, Alexander was serving in the Israeli military close to the Gaza border when he was taken captive by Hamas on October 7, 2023. His mother described him as “an American kid, full of life, very funny, and very friendly” in a CNN interview from March.
Following Alexander’s release, there are still 58 hostages believed to be held in Gaza, with at least 20 confirmed to be alive. Among those confirmed deceased are four Americans, including the couple Gadi Haggai and Judi Weinstein Haggai, along with soldiers Itay Chen and Omer Neutra.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Monday as “a very emotional moment,” and he praised Trump for facilitating Alexander’s release while defending his military actions in Gaza.
“This was achieved due to our military actions combined with the diplomatic efforts made by President Trump. This is a winning strategy,” Netanyahu remarked.
“I spoke with President Trump today. He assured me, ‘I am dedicated to Israel. I will continue our close collaboration’ — aimed at achieving our military goals: freeing all hostages and defeating Hamas,” he added. “These two objectives are interconnected.”
A crowd gathered at Tel Aviv’s “Hostage Square” to witness the transfer, celebrating as it became apparent that Alexander was handed over to Israeli forces.
Alexander’s mother traveled to Israel on Sunday night to reunite with him after his release. A photo shared by US Special Envoy for Hostage Response Adam Boehler showed Yael Alexander onboard a commercial flight with the envoy’s team.
During a statement at Sourasky Medical Center on Tuesday, Alexander’s parents, Yael and Adi, expressed gratitude to Trump, Witkoff, and Boehler for their efforts in securing their son’s release, omitting mention of Netanyahu.
His father remarked that Edan would soon return to the United States, “to see his little brother play basketball and reconnect with his friends in New Jersey.”
“He’s now 21, and those joyful moments may involve a beer or two, but we will never forget the first beer he enjoyed on the rooftop of this very building after his release,” Adi Alexander remarked.
Trump characterized the event as “historic news” in a post on Truth Social, stating that Alexander’s release by Hamas was “a good faith step towards the United States and the mediation efforts of Qatar and Egypt aimed at halting this brutal conflict and returning all living hostages and remains to their families.”
Mahmoud Mardawi, a Hamas leader, shared with Al Aqsa TV that the group, deemed a terrorist organization by the US and Israel, engaged in direct negotiations with the US to secure Alexander’s release in exchange for resuming humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Witkoff confirmed to CNN that communications with Hamas were indirect.
Alexander was last visible in a proof-of-life video from mid-April, in which he directly appealed to Trump for assistance with his release. Shortly after, Hamas announced that they had lost contact with the militants holding Alexander.
Gaza is nearing a humanitarian crisis as Israel’s blockade has entered its second month, exhausting food supplies and affecting soup kitchens, while basic goods have seen a surge in prices.
Israel claims that halting humanitarian aid is intended to compel Hamas to free hostages. However, international organizations argue that Israel’s actions breach international law, with some accusing them of employing starvation as a tactic in warfare — a potential war crime.
Israel has not clarified whether it will resume delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
On Monday, Netanyahu’s office issued a statement indicating that Israel has not committed to ceasefire or the release of any Palestinian detainees, only ensuring a “safe corridor for Edan’s release.”
In a Sunday night social media post, Trump expressed hope that this release would lead to an “end to this brutal war.” However, the long-standing Israeli prime minister has asserted that “discussions will continue amidst conflict.”
Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah, issued a statement on Monday in support of efforts to end the conflict, offering rare commendation for Trump.
Abbas “praised US President Donald Trump for his stance, which aims to conclude the ongoing brutal conflict and war lasting two years,” the statement from his office conveyed.
Alexander’s family had worked tirelessly for his return. In a March CNN interview, Yael expressed her hope and prayers to see her son again.
“As a mother, I simply want to hold him again, and tell him ‘Edan, you’re safe, you’re home.’”
This story is evolving and updates will follow.