LONDON — Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old American-Israeli who was taken hostage by Hamas during the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, was released on Monday after a breakthrough deal between the United States and Hamas, according to the Israel Defense Forces.
Transferred from Gaza by the International Committee of the Red Cross, Alexander was handed over to Israeli authorities, marking the end of nearly 19 months in captivity.
An Emotional Return Home
Upon his release, Alexander was able to speak with his mother, Yael, over the phone for the first time since his abduction.
“You are strong, you are protected, you are home,” she said in an emotional call captured on video shared by the Israeli prime minister’s office.
Alexander was taken to a medical facility in southern Israel for initial assessments and a reunion with his family.
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Temporary Pause in Combat During Release
Israeli officials confirmed a brief pause in combat operations and aerial surveillance in the area of Gaza where the transfer occurred, allowing safe passage for Alexander’s return.
Born in New Jersey, Alexander moved to Israel at 18 and was serving in the IDF when he was captured during Hamas’ raid on his base. He was just 19 years old at the time—and has since spent two birthdays in captivity.
Last Known Living American Hostage Freed
Alexander was believed to be the last living American still held hostage by Hamas. U.S. officials say the group is also holding the remains of four American citizens presumed dead.
Supporters held simultaneous gatherings in Tel Aviv and Tenafly, New Jersey, to celebrate his safe return.
Global Reactions Pour In For Edan Alexander
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the moment “very moving,” crediting Alexander’s release to “military pressure and the political pressure exerted by President Trump.”
Trump echoed those sentiments, stating:
“They thought he was dead just a short while ago. His parents are so happy.”
On Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“This is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict.”
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy also issued a statement, saying:
“With Edan’s return home, their—and our—prayers have finally been answered.”
UN Calls for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Aid
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the release and renewed calls for a permanent ceasefire, demanding immediate and unrestricted humanitarian aid access throughout Gaza.
Ceasefire Talks in Motion
Hamas announced its intention to release Alexander on Sunday as part of ongoing ceasefire negotiations with the U.S. An American official told media that the deal materialized after days of direct communication between U.S. officials and Hamas.
While the release is seen as a potential opening for further talks, American negotiators were unable to secure the release of the four deceased hostages’ remains.
Families Plead for Continued Action
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum released a statement praising Alexander’s release as “a ray of light and hope,” but emphasized that 57 hostages remain, including 20 believed to be alive.
Families urged Netanyahu to commit to a comprehensive deal to bring all captives home.
Defense Minister Israel Katz reaffirmed Israel’s stance:
“We are committed to acting in every way until all the abductees…return to their homeland.”
As the world watches closely, Edan Alexander’s release is a moment of relief—and a call to action.
