🇺🇸 Edan Alexander, Last American Hostage in Gaza, Released After 19 Months
Khan Younis, Gaza / Re’im Base, Israel – May 12, 2025
In a significant development, Hamas has released Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander, the last known living American hostage held in Gaza. The 21-year-old was handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, earlier today. He is currently en route to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) at the Re’im base, where he will reunite with his family and undergo medical evaluations.
Edan Alexander, a dual citizen of the United States and Israel, was captured on October 7, 2023, during a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel. Alexander had volunteered for service in the IDF’s Golani Brigade, where he served as a lone soldier. Despite being eligible for a weekend leave, he stayed with his unit, a decision that led to his capture.
Negotiations for Alexander’s release were mediated by Egypt and Qatar, with indirect communication between Hamas and the United States. Hamas described the release as a goodwill gesture aimed at supporting ceasefire efforts and humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza. The release also comes ahead of a planned regional visit by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has expressed interest in supporting peace negotiations.
The IDF temporarily paused certain military operations in Gaza to facilitate a secure corridor for Alexander’s transfer, though no formal ceasefire has been declared. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the release involved no conditions or exchange deals.
Currently, 58 hostages remain in Gaza, with 24 believed to be alive. Edan Alexander’s release has been celebrated as a victory for diplomacy, but it also raises questions about the fate of other hostages. For example, Tal Shoham’s story of survival after 505 days in Gaza highlights the psychological toll of captivity. Families of other captives have renewed their calls for action, urging the Israeli government and international community to secure their loved ones’ freedom.
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📰 Further Reading
- Hamas says it released Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander – Reuters
- Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander handed to Red Cross in Gaza – BBC
- Edan Alexander, U.S.-Israeli hostage, released after 19 months in captivity – CBS News
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