American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander freed from Hamas captivity, in IDF custody

American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, who had been held captive by Hamas in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, was finally released on Monday after successful negotiations between the U.S. and the terrorist organization, as confirmed by the IDF. The International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated Alexander’s transfer from Gaza to Israeli authorities, allowing him to speak with his mother, Yael, over the phone from the Israel Defense Forces convoy.

Upon his arrival at a reception point in southern Israel, Alexander underwent his first medical assessment and was subsequently reunited with his family members. The IDF mentioned that other family members were eagerly waiting to receive him at the hospital. Israeli security officials announced a temporary pause in combat activities, airstrikes, and aerial reconnaissance in the vicinity of Gaza, where Alexander was released. This pause was expected to remain in effect until Alexander safely crossed into Israeli territory.

A New Jersey native, Alexander moved to Israel at the age of 18 and was serving in the IDF when he was captured from his base near the Gaza frontier during the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. At the time of his abduction, he was 19 years old and has since celebrated two birthdays while in captivity. Alexander was the last living American citizen believed to be held hostage by Hamas, with the terror group also believed to be holding the remains of four deceased American hostages.

Supporters of Alexander gathered in Tel Aviv and Tenafly, New Jersey, to celebrate his long-awaited release. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Alexander’s return as a “very moving moment” and thanked President Donald Trump for his support, attributing Alexander’s release to Israel’s military and political pressure exerted by Trump. Netanyahu shared that Trump had expressed his commitment to Israel and ongoing cooperation to achieve their shared goals of releasing all hostages and defeating Hamas.

Trump, who had previously hosted Alexander’s parents at the White House, expressed joy at the news of Alexander’s release, noting the emotional journey his parents had endured. He emphasized the significance of Alexander’s return to his family and the broader implications for ending the conflict. Netanyahu and Trump’s statements underscored the collaborative efforts between the U.S. and Israel in securing Alexander’s release and the potential for broader peace negotiations in the region.

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed Alexander’s freedom and reiterated the urgent need for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Guterres emphasized the non-negotiable nature of humanitarian aid delivery to civilians in need, urging all parties to ensure safe and unhindered relief efforts in the region. Hamas announced its decision to release Alexander as part of the ceasefire negotiations, acknowledging direct talks with American officials in recent days.

While Alexander’s release symbolizes a positive step, U.S. officials revealed that not all concessions were secured in the negotiations, with ongoing efforts to retrieve the remains of the remaining American hostages held by Hamas. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum highlighted the bittersweet nature of Alexander’s release, serving as a beacon of hope while reminding of the challenges faced by other hostages still in captivity.

With 57 hostages remaining in Gaza, including 20 believed to be alive, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely. The release of Alexander represents a significant milestone in the ongoing conflict, offering hope for further dialogue and resolution. The U.S. official involved in the negotiation process confirmed the direct talks between the U.S. and Hamas, signaling a potential diplomatic breakthrough in the broader peace efforts in the region.

As Alexander emerges from captivity, the world watches with anticipation for the next steps in the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. The release of hostages, including Alexander, is a critical step towards peace and reconciliation, highlighting the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and humanitarian efforts in resolving longstanding conflicts.