Jerusalem
CNN
–
Edan Alexander, the last known American hostage in Gaza, was released by Hamas and reunited with his family on Monday to close the 18-month ordeal that began with the militant group’s October 7 attack.
Hamas announced on Sunday night that he agreed to release 21-year-old Alexander after several days of talks with the US that bypassed Israel, and formed part of his efforts to reach a ceasefire and resume the flow of humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
Alexander, wearing a black adidas t-shirt and baseball cap, was photographed while handing over to the Red Cross just before the convoy left Khan Eunice and headed for Israel. He later arrived at a military base in Israel for a medical evaluation and a much-anticipated reunion with his family.
Alexander spoke to his mother, Yael over the phone after Hamas released him. Video shared by the Israeli Defense Forces showed that US Middle Eastern envoy Steve Witkov handed the phone to Yael.
“You’re out, my soul, you’re out!” she cried out in an emotional clip. “Everything is fine, you’re fine, you’re safe, you’re at home. Everything is good. You have this. You’re strong. We’re meeting soon.”
In Tel Aviv, it was shown that Alexander was holding us, and Israel was accepting members of the family. The reunion comes as US President Donald Trump sets out on a tour of the Middle East and a suspension is planned in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The Trump administration evaded Israel and sealed the contract with Hamas to free Alexander, and Trump framing it as “to put an end to this extremely brutal war, bringing back all living hostages and remains with his loved ones.”
New Jersey native Alexander was serving in the Israeli military near the Gaza border when he was accused of Hamas on October 7, 2023.
Following the release of Alexander, 58 hostages are still being held in Gaza, with at least 20 people still being alive. Among the hostages who have passed away are four American citizens, including husband and wife Gaddy Haggai and Judy Weinstein Haggai, as well as soldiers Itai Chen and Omer Nutra.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Monday a “very emotional moment” and eagerly praised Trump for securing Alexander’s release and defending the ongoing campaign in Gaza.
“This was achieved thanks to our military pressure and the diplomatic pressure applied by President Trump. This is a combination of victory,” Netanyahu said.
“I spoke with President Trump today. He said, “I am committed to Israel. I am committed to continuing to work closely together” – to achieve all war objectives of freeing all hostages and defeating Hamas,” his statement continued. “This will be together. They’re combined with each other.”
The crowd gathered at Tel Aviv’s “Hostage Square” and saw his release take place. They cheered as it was revealed that Alexander had been handed over to the Israeli army.
Alexander’s mother boarded a flight to Israel on Sunday night to see her son after her release. Photos posted by the US envoy to deal with hostages were shown by Adam Bohler to Jael Alexander on a commercial flight with the envoy team.
Trump welcomed the development as “monologic news” in a post about the truth social, describing Hamas’ release of Alexander as “a step taken in good faith towards America and the efforts of Qatar and Egypt to end this extremely brutal war, remaining with all living hostages and loved ones.”
Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi told Al Aksa Television, who was affiliated with Hamas, that extremist groups classified as terrorist organizations by the US and Israel had negotiated directly with the US to free Alexander in exchange for a resumption of humanitarian aid.
Witkov told CNN that consultations with Hamas were indirect.
Alexander was last seen in an empirical video in mid-April, where he directly appealed to Trump for help in securing his release. Just a few days later, Hamas claimed he had lost contact with the group of extremists holding Alexander.
Gaza is on the brink of hunger as Israeli humanitarian and commercial goods blockades grow in the second month, running out of food warehouses and soup kitchens, and spikes costs for basic goods.
Israel says it has blocked humanitarian invasions that put pressure on humanity to be released. However, international organizations say their actions violate international law. Some have accused Israel of using hunger as a weapon of war.
Israel has not said whether it will resume humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s office said in a statement Monday that Israel has not committed to a ceasefire or the release of Palestinian prisoners.
In a social media post on Sunday night, Trump said he hoped the release would lead to “the end of this brutal conflict.” But the longtime Israeli Prime Minister says “negotiations will take place under fire.”
Mahmoud Abbas, president of Palestinian authorities in Ramala, said in a statement Monday that he welcomed efforts to stop the war and gave rare praise to Trump.
“President Donald Trump praised his position, the latter hoping to put an end to the vicious conflict and war that has been going on for two years,” Abbas said, a statement from his office.
Alexander’s parents were fighting tirelessly for his release. Speaking to CNN in March, Yael said he prayed and wanted to see his son again.
“I’m a mom who wants to hug him again. “Edan, you’re safe, you’re at home.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
