Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old and the last US citizen held by Hamas in Gaza, returned to Israel on Monday.
He was among those taken hostage during a violent attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals.
Reports indicate that during his captivity, he was subjected to torture and kept in a cage alongside other hostages.
The Red Cross, which is required under international law to visit prisoners of war, did not have the opportunity to see him.
Nonetheless, the Red Cross facilitated his release from Hamas on Monday alongside other captives.
Sergeant Edan Alexander, the last US citizen held by Hamas, was transferred from the Red Cross to the IDF while still in Gaza on May 12, 2025 (IDF spokesman).
Upon his return, he was welcomed by fellow IDF soldiers and taken to Israel, where he reunited with family, friends, and key negotiators from Israel and the US.
During a helicopter ride to the hospital, he expressed his gratitude, even writing “Thanks to President Trump!” on a whiteboard and also scribbling the names of “Am Israel Chai” (the Israeli state) and his IDF unit in Hebrew.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff was present at the event as well.
Israeli Army Radio reported that if Alexander’s health permits, he might fly to Qatar later this week.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended President Trump’s diplomatic efforts and the persistent military pressure from the IDF, which may have contributed to Alexander’s release without any preconditions. Currently, among the remaining hostages in Gaza, estimates suggest that at least 20 to 23 might still be alive. Trump is scheduled to visit several Arab nations later this week, aiming to foster regional agreements and promote broader peace initiatives.
