According to militant groups and Israeli officials, Hamas militant groups have transferred Edan Alexander, the last famous American hostage in Gaza to the Red Cross before he handed over to Israel.
The 21-year-old New Jersey, a New Jersey man who serves in the Israeli military, was kidnapped by Hamas in the October 7, 2023 attack. His release comes after several days of negotiations between the United States and Hamas, a broader effort to ensure a ceasefire and restore humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Alexander’s freedom is ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East Tour, which includes docking in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE. His family described Mother’s Day timing as “the greatest gift imaginable” and expressed gratitude to Trump, envoy Steve Witkoff and the U.S. government.
Edan’s mother, Yael Alexander, flew to Israel to reunite with her son on Sunday night. Photos shared by Adam Boehler, the special envoy of the United States, showed her commercial flights with the U.S. delegation.
Trump called the development “monumental news” and took a peaceful step, praising the mediation efforts of Qatar and Egypt. Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi told Al Aqsa TV that the group negotiated directly with the United States in exchange for the release of Alexander in exchange for the recovery of humanitarian aid.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office clarified that no ceasefire or prisoner release agreement was reached, which was just a commitment to the security corridor for Alexander’s transfer. Netanyahu reiterated that the negotiations will be “in the fire.”
There are still 58 hostages in Gaza, and at least 20 are still alive. Four American citizens were among the deceased. Hamas is classified as a terrorist organization by the United States and Israel.
Meanwhile, Gaza faces worsening as humanitarian aid remains blocked. International groups accuse Israel of using hunger as a weapon of war for violating international law.
Alexander’s last time was in a lifespan proof video in mid-April, which directly attracted Trump. A few days later, Hamas claimed it had lost contact with the militants who held him.
His mother earlier said to CNN: “I’m a mom. I just want to hug him again and say ‘Edan, you’re safe, you’re home.’
