American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander was released on Monday after successful negotiations between the U.S. and the terrorist organization, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Alexander had been held captive by Hamas in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023; he is believed to be the last living American citizen held captive by Hamas. The terror group is believed to also be holding the bodies of four dead American hostages, according to U.S. officials.
Alexander, a New Jersey native, moved to Israel at the age of 18 and was serving in the IDF when captured from his base close to the Gaza frontier during Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack; he was 19 when abducted.
The International Committee of the Red Cross transferred Alexander, now 21, from Gaza to Israeli special forces in the enclave’s southern city of Khan Younis, and he has since crossed into Israeli territory. Israeli security officials told ABC News that there would be a temporary pause in combat, airstrikes and aerial reconnaissance in the area of Gaza where Alexander was to be released. The pause was expected to last until Alexander crossed into Israeli territory, where “he will undergo an initial medical assessment and meet with his family,” according to the statement from the IDF.
Hamas confirmed the release of Alexander earlier in the day, with the militant group stating in a news release that the move was part of “the steps being taken to achieve a ceasefire, open the crossings, and allow aid” into the Gaza Strip, adding that “we urge the Trump administration to continue its efforts to end this brutal war.”
Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s envoy, confirmed that he had traveled to the region in anticipation of Alexander’s release. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday met with Witkoff and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, per a readout from his office. Netanyahu also spoke with President Donald Trump, the statement said, with the Israeli leader thanking Trump for his assistance in securing Alexander’s release: “the prime minister discussed the last-ditch effort to implement the outline for the release of the hostages presented by Witkoff, before the escalation of the fighting. To this end, the prime minister instructed that a negotiating delegation be sent to Doha tomorrow. The prime minister clarified that the negotiations will only take place under fire.”
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