US citizen Edan Alexander ended his 18-month captivity when Hamas handed him over to the Red Cross on Monday morning. Alexander returned swiftly to Israeli-held territory, arriving at a military base for a medical evaluation and a family reunion.
His mother, Yael, described hearing her son’s voice on the phone as the greatest gift imaginable after springing into action at Mother’s House. Hamas announced Alexander’s release following several days of indirect negotiations involving US mediators, Qatar, and Egypt.
President Donald Trump claimed credit on social media, calling the American hostage release in Gaza a monumental step for peace efforts in the region. Before leaving Gaza, Alexander appeared in a proof-of-life video, filmed weeks earlier, urging Trump to secure his freedom.
US envoy Steve Witkoff coordinated talks with Hamas representatives, though Washington insists it did not negotiate directly with the militant group. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office pledged full support for Alexander’s debriefing and promised unwavering efforts to free remaining captives.
Currently, 58 hostages remain in Gaza, with at least 20 confirmed alive, while four Americans were tragically killed in captivity. The deceased American hostages were Gadi Haggai and Judi Weinstein Haggai, alongside soldiers Itay Chen and Omer Neutra.
Alexander’s release coincides with President Trump’s Middle East tour, which includes planned stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. His freedom boosts hopes to resume humanitarian aid to Gaza, among other international aid, amid international demands and escalating famine fears.
Israel has not yet confirmed plans to reopen aid corridors, nor committed plans to reopen aid corridors, nor committed to prisoner exchanges or a formal ceasefire agreement. Instead, Netanyahu’s government has only approved a temporary safe corridor to facilitate Alexander’s transfer to Israeli and his family members’ care.
Humanitarian organizations warn that Gaza’s population faces dire shortages of food, water, and medicine under the current blockade. Alexander’s mother flew overnight to Israel on Sunday, travelling alongside US Special Envoy Adam Boehler’s delegation.
As officials welcomed him home, families of remaining captives renewed their calls for concentrated diplomatic efforts. Observers say the American hostage release in Gaza may provide momentum to negotiate further release and humanitarian relief.
