Topline
Edan Alexander, the last living U.S. citizen held hostage by Hamas, was released from captivity on Monday, according to Israel’s military, a move that comes as President Donald Trump pressured both sides to reach a ceasefire deal and the release of all remaining hostages.
Alexander’s release comes as Trump pushed for the release of all remaining hostages.
Key Facts
Alexander, 21, was returned to Israel after his earlier release by Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces said Monday, after earlier saying a “returning hostage” was in custody and en route to Israeli territory.
The IDF said Alexander would undergo a medical assessment before meeting with his family.
The decision to release Alexander was reportedly announced by Hamas on Sunday after talks with U.S. officials, though the group did not say when Alexander would be released or what they would receive in exchange.
Trump confirmed Hamas’ plans to release Alexander on Truth Social, writing it was a “step taken in good faith” toward the U.S. to “put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement Sunday the U.S. informed Israel that Hamas would release Alexander “as a gesture to the Americans,” but noted Israel has “not committed to a ceasefire of any kind or the release of terrorists” and had only agreed to provide a “safe corridor” for Alexander’s release.
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Crucial Quote
The Alexander family, in a statement released by the Israeli Hostages and Missing Families Forum, said Sunday they received the “greatest gift imaginable” with the announcement of Edan’s release and called on Israel to continue negotiations to help secure the release of all remaining hostages.
What To Watch For
An unidentified senior Hamas official told the Associated Press that Alexander would be released as a “gift to [Trump]
and in return he will give back a better one,” though it’s not immediately clear what terms were agreed on for Alexander’s release. Israel will reportedly not release any Palestinian prisoners as part of his release.
Key Background
Alexander, a dual citizen in the U.S. and Israel, was among those taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. Alexander, who was raised in Tenafly, New Jersey, moved to Israel in 2022 to join the IDF and was stationed near Israel’s border with Gaza in September 2023, according to The New York Times. A video of Alexander was released by Hamas earlier this year, after the militant group said it lost contact with those holding him captive, and it was unclear whether Alexander was still alive. Alexander’s family has called for increased talks between Israel, the U.S. and Hamas for the release of hostages, writing in September 2024 they “live in agony each day that passes without our son.” Hamas said in March the group was willing to release Alexander, in addition to the bodies of four dual nationals, NBC News reported, but Hamas wanted negotiations for a ceasefire to resume with Israel first.
Further Reading
Hamas Says It Will Release American-Israeli Hostage Edan Alexander On Monday (Associated Press)
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