Hamas Frees Israeli-American Hostage Ahead of Trump Visit

People gathered in Huyler Park celebrate the release of American hostage Edan Alexander from Hamas on Monday, May 12, 2025, in Tenafly, N.J.

Hamas on Monday released Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier held captive in Gaza for over 19 months, in what appeared to be a goodwill gesture towards the Trump administration. The release could potentially help lay the foundation for renewed ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.

Alexander, who was taken during Hamas’ cross-border assault on October 7, 2023, became the first hostage released since Israel broke an eight-week ceasefire in March and resumed intense airstrikes across Gaza, which have killed hundreds of Palestinians.

He was handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross before being transferred to Israeli forces and flown by helicopter to a hospital in Tel Aviv. Israeli officials released video footage showing a visibly emotional reunion between Alexander and his mother. Although pale, he was seen smiling and embracing family members.

Wearing T-shirts with his name, Alexander’s extended family gathered in Tel Aviv to celebrate. Cheers erupted across Hostage Square, where hundreds had assembled, while in his hometown of Tenafly, New Jersey, supporters packed the streets, waving Israeli flags and singing along to Hebrew music as news of his release broke.

Alexander’s grandmother, Varda Ben Baruch, expressed relief after seeing the first photo of him post-captivity.
“He seemed like a man. He’s really matured,” she said, adding that his sense of humour was still intact. “He cracked a joke to his mother on the phone. That’s Edan.”

At the time of his capture, Alexander was 19 and serving at a military base in southern Israel. He was among roughly 250 hostages taken during the 2023 Hamas-led assault. According to Israeli authorities, 58 hostages remain in captivity, with around 23 believed to be alive. Many were released during earlier ceasefire deals.

Hamas’ announcement of Alexander’s release came just ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to the Middle East — his first official foreign trip since the start of his second term. Trump is expected to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, though no stop in Israel is planned.

Calling the release “a step taken in good faith,” Trump praised the efforts of mediators Qatar and Egypt and expressed hope that the move would lead to the return of all remaining hostages and bring an end to the war.

“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!” Trump wrote on social media.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Monday with U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. His office later announced that a negotiations team would depart for Doha the following day. However, Netanyahu reportedly told the American delegation that negotiations would continue "under fire."

Netanyahu credited Alexander’s release to “a winning combination of military pressure and diplomatic efforts by President Trump.”

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed the development and called on Netanyahu to act decisively.

“Don’t miss this historic opportunity facing the State of Israel,” the group said. “Prove to the Israeli public and President Trump that you are willing to pursue a regional initiative that transcends narrow political considerations.”

As tensions remain high and humanitarian conditions in Gaza worsen under blockade, Alexander’s release offers a rare moment of hope — and possibly, a chance for diplomacy to take hold.