Release of American Hostage Edan Alexander

Edan Alexander, the last American hostage in Gaza, was released after 586 days of captivity and handed over to the Red Cross.

Details indicate that the 21-year-old, who holds dual US-Israeli citizenship, was retrieved by a specialized unit of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and taken to an early reception facility in Lame for a preliminary medical and psychological assessment.

In a statement, Hamas confirmed, “The Al-Kassam Brigade has just released an Israeli soldier holding American citizenship, Edan Alexander, following communication with the US administration. This is part of ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire, open border crossings, and facilitate the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip.”

On the day of the release, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that President Trump is actively working to ensure the release of all Americans detained abroad, vowing he won’t stop until all hostages return home.

As news spread, crowds began to gather in Tenafly, New Jersey, Alexander’s hometown.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and ambassador Mike Huckabee. Netanyahu expressed gratitude to Trump for his role in securing Alexander’s release.

After the initial reunion with his family at the Lame facility, Alexander will be taken to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv for further care, according to Israeli officials.

As an IDF soldier, Alexander is provided with a comprehensive support system that includes medical, psychological, and logistical assistance from military experts.

He had been serving in the Israeli Defense Forces when Hamas insurgents crossed the border on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of nearly 1,200 Israelis and the capture of 250 others.

Hamas first announced Alexander’s release the previous Sunday, claiming it was part of efforts to secure a ceasefire deal favoring Trump.

Aylet Samelano, mother of hostage Jonathan Samelano, reflected on Mother’s Day, saying, “While I am happy for the Alexander family, it’s also just another nightmare for those of us with other hostages. This is a first step, but let’s not stop here. The other 58 hostages need to come home too. Their lives are at risk every minute.”