On May 12, 2025, Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old American-Israeli soldier, was released by Hamas following direct negotiations facilitated by the United States. His freedom marks a major moment in ongoing efforts to address the hostage crisis stemming from the October 7, 2023, conflict.
Alexander, originally from New Jersey, had moved to Israel at age 18 and was serving with the Israel Defense Forces when he was captured during a cross-border attack launched by Hamas. His release was coordinated through the International Committee of the Red Cross, which arranged for his transfer to Israeli authorities.
After his release, Alexander was first brought to Re’im Military Base in southern Israel, where he was reunited with his parents, Yael and Adi, and his siblings. A short time later, he was transferred to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv for further medical evaluation. According to Israeli health officials, he arrived alert and responsive.
Video footage released by Israeli authorities captured emotional moments of reunion, including a phone call between Alexander and his mother as he traveled with an IDF convoy. “You are strong, you are protected, you are home,” she told him.
Communities in Israel and the United States celebrated the development. In Tenafly, New Jersey—Alexander’s hometown—residents gathered in Huyler Park to wave flags, share prayers, and express their support for Alexander and other families still waiting for loved ones to return.
The release came just ahead of President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to the Middle East. Trump, who had previously hosted Alexander’s parents in Washington, called the development “great news” and thanked Israeli officials for working in coordination with U.S. negotiators.
Trump also posted a message on Truth Social stating that Alexander’s return was a step toward ending the broader conflict. “This is the first of those final steps necessary to bring this terrible war to a close and return every hostage,” he wrote.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised the outcome. In a video address, he attributed Alexander’s return to military operations and diplomatic outreach. “We will continue our efforts until all our citizens—living and deceased—are returned,” he said.
Hamas, in a statement, called the release a “step toward easing humanitarian tensions” and said that the move was intended to support ongoing ceasefire discussions. Qatari and Egyptian intermediaries also described the exchange as a gesture aimed at promoting dialogue.
Alexander is believed to be the last living American hostage held in Gaza. U.S. officials say Hamas still holds the remains of four other Americans. Altogether, 58 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza, and officials estimate that roughly 20 are alive.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen, with widespread food shortages and growing concerns about disease. International relief organizations report increasing difficulties in distributing aid. A recent assessment by food security experts warned that the region faces extreme hunger, with half a million people at risk of starvation.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military campaign continues. Strikes in northern Gaza on the same day as Alexander’s release reportedly caused civilian casualties, including among children sheltering in a former school. Israeli defense officials maintain that military pressure will continue until all hostages are accounted for.
In a joint statement, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged the Israeli government to resume talks and finalize an agreement to bring home everyone still held captive. “Edan’s return offers hope, but our work is not finished,” the group said.
While Edan Alexander’s release is a relief to many, the broader conflict persists. Leaders on both sides face pressure to move forward with negotiations, secure the release of remaining detainees, and address the growing humanitarian crisis. The coming weeks may prove crucial in determining whether the current momentum can be sustained.
Image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license and was created by Oren Rozen.
