Hamas has released Edan Alexander, the final known American hostage still alive in Gaza, marking a significant development in the extended negotiations involving Israel, Hamas, and the United States. The militant group announced on Sunday that Alexander, 21, would be released without conditions following discussions with the Trump administration.
Alexander, a dual citizen of Israel and the United States, was turned over to officials from the International Committee of the Red Cross, according to the Israeli military. The Red Cross transferred him to a specialized Israeli military unit, after which is a reception center in Reim for both medical and psychological evaluations, then finally reuniting with his family before being flown to Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Hospital.
His parents had traveled from New Jersey to Israel in anticipation of his release. “This was a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators — Qatar and Egypt — to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones. Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict,” President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social.
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, arrived in Israel on Monday and is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later in the day, according to local media reports.
Netanyahu’s office issued a statement which read: “The expected release of IDF soldier Edan Alexander without anything in return will be possible due to the vigorous policy that we have led with the backing of President Trump, and thanks to the military pressure of IDF soldiers in the Gaza Strip.”
The statement also confirmed that Israel is continuing efforts to free the remaining hostages, even as it prepares to intensify its military campaign in Gaza. Officials emphasized that no ceasefire has been agreed to, nor has Israel committed to releasing Palestinian prisoners—only to establishing a secure corridor for Alexander’s release.
National Review reports that Alexander was born in Israel but grew up mostly in New Jersey. He enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces three years ago after completing high school. Alexander was among roughly 250 individuals abducted and taken to Gaza during the October 7 Hamas-led terror attacks against Israel.
Thus far, through negotiated ceasefires and military operations, 145 hostages have been rescued or released, along with the recovery of numerous bodies. Currently, 59 Israeli hostages remain in Hamas custody, with 24 believed to still be alive.
In a heartfelt message released Sunday, Alexander’s family expressed their relief and gratitude.
“Today, on Mother’s Day, we received the greatest gift imaginable — news that our beautiful son Edan is returning home after 583 days in captivity in Gaza,” they wrote. “We urge the Israeli government and the negotiating teams: please don’t stop. We hope our son’s release begins negotiations for all 58 remaining hostages, ending this nightmare for them and their families. No hostage should be left behind.”
National Review notes that militants in Gaza are still believed to be holding the remains of four Americans: Omer Neutra, Itay Chen, Gadi Haggai, and Judi Weinstein Haggai.
