Hamas has released Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier who was held hostage in Gaza for over 19 months. His release, described by Hamas as a “goodwill gesture” toward the Trump administration, comes amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
Alexander was captured on October 7, 2023, during Hamas’ cross-border attack on Israel, which ignited the war in Gaza. He was serving in a military unit near the Gaza border when militants stormed his base and took him hostage.
A Long-Awaited Release
The Israeli military confirmed that Alexander was handed over to the Red Cross and was being transported to Israeli forces. His mother, Yael Alexander, arrived at the Re’im military base in southern Israel, where he was expected to reunite with his family.
Alexander’s grandmother, Varda Ben Baruch, expressed relief, saying she had barely slept and had prepared his favorite foods in anticipation of his return.
The Hostage Crisis and Ceasefire Talks
Alexander’s release marks the first since Israel ended an eight-week ceasefire with Hamas in March 2025, resuming airstrikes that have killed hundreds. Israel has vowed to intensify its military offensive, including territorial seizures and population displacement.
Hamas has stated that 58 hostages remain in captivity, with 24 believed to be alive. Many of the 250 hostages taken during the 2023 attack were freed in previous ceasefire deals.
Who is Edan Alexander?
Born in Tenafly, New Jersey, Alexander moved to Israel in 2022 and enlisted in the military. He was 19 years old when Hamas militants seized him from his base after he volunteered to stay over the Jewish Sabbath.
In November 2024, Hamas released a video of Alexander pleading for help, which his family described as difficult to watch but reassuring in confirming he was alive. Reports from freed hostages indicated that Alexander had lost significant weight but had advocated for fellow captives, including Thai workers, urging their release.
The Road Ahead
Hamas has insisted that remaining hostages will only be freed in exchange for a lasting ceasefire, an Israeli military withdrawal, and the release of Palestinian prisoners—terms Israel has rejected. The Israeli government has reiterated its commitment to continuing the war until all hostages are freed and Hamas is defeated.
Alexander’s father, Adi Alexander, had been in daily contact with Trump’s hostage negotiators, pressing for his son’s release. His family, along with other hostage families, has urged the Israeli government to continue efforts to free the remaining captives.
As ceasefire negotiations unfold, Alexander’s release may signal a turning point in diplomatic efforts to end the war. However, with ongoing military operations and political tensions, the fate of the remaining hostages remains uncertain.
