The release was the result of indirect negotiations between the United States, led by special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Hamas.
WASHINGTON—After almost 585 days in captivity in Gaza, Israeli American Edan Alexander has been freed by Hamas.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the release on May 11.
“Edan Alexander, American hostage thought dead, to be released by Hamas. Great news!” he wrote in an all-caps post on Truth Social.
Alexander was the last known living American hostage in Gaza.
Alexander, who is from New Jersey, was transferred by Hamas to the International Red Cross to be brought back to Israel, where he will receive medical treatment.
“We are relieved that one more family has been reunited today. This nightmare however continues for the remaining hostages, their families, and hundreds of thousands of civilians across Gaza,” International Red Cross President Mirjana Spoljaric said in a statement.
Alexander, a 21-year-old serving in the Israeli military, was captured outside of Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages.
The release was the result of indirect negotiations between the United States, led by special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Hamas.
“I am happy to announce that Edan Alexander, an American citizen who has been held hostage since October 2023, is coming home to his family. I am grateful to all those involved in making this monumental news happen,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“This was a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators—Qatar and Egypt—to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones.
“Hopefully, this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict. I look very much forward to that day of celebration!”
Alexander’s family celebrated the news of the release, calling it “the greatest gift imaginable” on Mother’s Day.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a May 12 post on X that he met with Witkoff and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.
He also spoke with Trump to thank him for helping facilitate Alexander’s freedom.
