President Trump shared on Sunday that Edan Alexander, the last American hostage in Gaza, is set to be released by Hamas and will be heading back to New Jersey.
“It’s with great pleasure that we announce Edan Alexander, an American who’s been held since October 2023, is coming home to his family,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “We owe our gratitude to everyone who played a part in this incredible development.”
Trump labeled the release a “good faith gesture” towards the U.S. and the mediating countries, Qatar and Egypt, stating, “We continue as their loved ones to seek an end to this brutal conflict and to retrieve all hostages still alive.”
“I hope this marks the beginning of the final steps toward ending this painful situation. I’ll be celebrating that day very soon!” Trump remarked.
This news arrives amid stalled negotiations regarding hostage agreements in recent weeks. Trump is also gearing up for a trip to the region this week.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying that the U.S. informed Israel of its plan to release Alexander as an overture to the American side.
“The U.S. has conveyed to Israel that, per the original Witcoff framework—which Israel has already agreed to—this is expected to initiate negotiations for further hostage releases,” the statement explained, making reference to the Trump administration’s Middle East envoys, who were pivotal in these talks.
Israel indicated it is ready for the possibility of this initiative moving forward but stressed there would be no ceasefire during negotiations “in line with Israel’s policies.”
The Alexander family expressed that the announcement of Edan’s release was “the greatest gift imaginable,” thanking all those involved in the process.
“This Mother’s Day brought us the greatest news we could hope for. Our wonderful son Edan is coming home after spending 583 days in Gaza. We are profoundly grateful to President Trump, Steve Witkoff, and the U.S. administration for their relentless efforts in making this happen.”
They also urged Israel and other negotiating parties to continue their work to bring the remaining hostages home.
“We implore the Israeli government and the negotiation team. Please keep going. I hope my son’s release sparks negotiations for the 58 other hostages and brings an end to this nightmare for all of them and their families.”
