After 584 days in captivity, American-Israeli soldier Staff Sgt. Edan Alexander was released by Hamas on Monday and reunited with his family at an IDF base in southern Israel.
Alexander, 21, was abducted during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack while serving in the IDF’s Golani Brigade near the Gaza border. His release was secured through direct U.S.-Hamas negotiations in Qatar, bypassing Israeli officials until the deal was finalized. He was the last known living American hostage held in Gaza.
Hamas transferred Alexander to the Red Cross in Khan Younis without fanfare. A Red Cross official described his physical condition as poor but noted he was smiling. Reports say Alexander endured prolonged torture, was confined in a tunnel, and kept bound for weeks.
Once in Israeli hands, he was flown to Tel Aviv’s Sourasky Hospital for treatment. Reunited with his tearful parents and siblings at the Re’im base, Alexander celebrated with a photo holding a sign that read: “Thank you President Trump! The people of Israel live!”
His mother, Yael, flew in from the U.S. with American envoy Adam Boehler, while his father arrived separately. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Israeli hostage negotiator Gal Hirsch were also present.
Alexander’s release brings hope but highlights the ongoing crisis. Hamas and other groups still hold 58 hostages, 35 of whom are believed dead. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum called his return “a beacon of light,” while urging continued efforts to free those still held.
Asked about the potential for a broader ceasefire, former President Donald Trump, preparing for a Middle East visit, said, “We hope that we’re going to have other hostages released.”
