Hamas Releases Last Known American Hostage from Gaza After 19 Months
Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old American-Israeli soldier, was released by Hamas on Monday after spending 584 days as a hostage in the Gaza Strip. His release marks the end of the longest-known U.S. captivity related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
According to reports, Hamas handed Alexander over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza. Israeli special forces then transported him across the border to a military base in Re’im, where he received initial medical and psychological evaluations from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) before being reunited with his family in southern Israel.
Footage circulating on social media shows Alexander holding both U.S. and Israeli flags as he arrives at a facility in Israel. Additional clips capture him smiling as he embraces his parents and siblings in an emotional reunion.
Alexander was serving near the Gaza border when Hamas launched a surprise attack on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking roughly 250 hostages. He was among the first abducted and is the last known living American hostage held in Gaza.
“This is a very emotional moment — Edan Alexander has returned home,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. He credited the release to “military pressure” by Israel and “diplomatic pressure” from President Donald Trump.
“Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage, is being released. Congratulations to his wonderful parents, family, and friends!” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Hamas said that Alexander’s release followed direct talks with the United States, part of efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. The Trump administration reportedly bypassed Israel in negotiating the deal.
“The Al-Qassam Brigades have just released the Israeli soldier holding American citizenship, Edan Alexander, following communications with the U.S. administration,” Hamas’ statement reads. “This comes as part of the mediators’ efforts to reach a ceasefire, open the border crossings, and allow the entry of aid and relief for our people in the Gaza Strip.”
More than 52,000 people have died in Gaza since October 2023, according to health officials there. On Monday, 33 more were reported killed and 94 wounded.
Israel said 58 hostages remain in Gaza, though fewer than half are believed to be alive.
