Hamas has agreed to release Edan Alexander, the final living American hostage still held in Gaza, after 525 days in captivity, according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
The 21-year-old Israeli-American will be freed as part of an agreement mediated by negotiators, which also includes the return of four other hostages’ bodies, the Associated Press reported. The exact timing of the transfer remains unclear as ceasefire negotiations continue in Qatar.
Alexander’s Background and Capture
Though raised in New Jersey, Alexander was born in Israel before his family moved to the U.S., according to the American Jewish Committee (AJC). Instead of attending college after high school, he chose to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and joined the Golani Brigade, a combat infantry unit.
On October 7, 2023, while patrolling near Gaza, Alexander was caught in the Hamas terror attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the kidnapping of 251 hostages, including Alexander.
His mother, Yael Alexander, recalled speaking with him that morning in an interview with AJC’s “People of the Pod”. He described witnessing “terrible stuff” but reassured her he was safe—until he was abducted.
Hamas’ Propaganda Video and Family’s Response
For more than a year, there was no confirmed sign of life from Alexander. Then, on November 30, 2024, Hamas released a propaganda video of him speaking in Hebrew and Arabic, delivering forced statements about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-President-elect Donald Trump.
His father, Adi Alexander, described the footage as “very emotional” and “disturbing” during an interview.
Trump’s Warning to Hamas
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all hostages and the return of those killed.
“Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you.”
He followed up with an even more direct message:
“A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!”
As negotiations continue, the world watches to see when Alexander and the remains of the four other hostages will be returned.
