Hamas released the last living American hostage Monday, after he spent more than 580 days in captivity inside the Gaza Strip.Â
Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old individual holding citizenship in both the United States and Israel, has been received by a specialized unit of the Israel Defense Forces. He is set to be taken to an initial reception facility in Re’im, where IDF Medical Corps personnel will conduct an initial medical and psychological assessment, according to an Israeli official speaking to Fox News.
“The Al-Qassam Brigades have released Edan Alexander, the Israeli soldier who also holds American citizenship, after discussions with the U.S. administration,” stated Hamas. “This action is part of the ongoing efforts by mediators to achieve a ceasefire, facilitate the opening of border crossings, and enable the delivery of aid and support to the people in Gaza.”
President Donald Trump, following Alexander’s release, wrote on Truth Social “Congratulations to his wonderful parents, family, and friends!”
Then President-elect Donald Trump was presented with photos of Edan Alexander by his mother, Yael Alexander, at Ohel Chabad Lubavitch in New York City on Oct. 07, 2024. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Raised in Tenaflym Alexander moved to Israel at 18 to volunteer for military service in the IDF’s Golani Brigade. He lived with his grandparents in Tel Aviv and at Kibbutz Hazor, where he was part of a group of lone soldiers.Â
He was kidnapped on the morning of October 7 – a Saturday when he wasn’t required to remain on base. His mother was visiting from abroad, and like many lone soldiers he had the option to go home for the weekend. He chose to stay, not wanting to leave his fellow soldiers short-staffed on guard duty.Â
Ayelet Samerano, the mother of hostage Yonatan Samerano, said Monday that the previous day was Mother’s Day, and how “[a]round the world, mothers celebrated with their children.”
People gather in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, ahead of Israeli-American Edan Alexander’s expected release on May 12, 2025. (Alan Gilboa/Hostages & Missing Families Forum)
“But for me – and the other mothers of the 59 hostages – it was just another day of nightmare. Yes, I am happy for the Alexander family. They will finally have their son Edan back. I thank President Trump and Steve Witkoff for this progress,” she added. “But President Trump – please don’t stop. This is only the first step. Do whatever is necessary to bring every last one home. The other 58 hostages have no time left. They are in hell. The living could be killed any day. The deceased – their bodies could be lost forever. They must all come home.”
Fox News Digital’s Emma Colton and Stepheny Price contributed to this report.Â
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