The last living American hostage was released on Monday by Hamas after being held captive by the terrorist organization for over 580 days.
An Israeli official told Fox News that an Israel Defense Forces special unit received Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old dual citizen of the United States and Israel, and brought him to a reception facility in Re’im, where the Israel Defense Forces soldier will receive preliminary medical and psychological evaluations by the Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps.
According to a statement obtained by Fox News, Hamas confirmed on Monday that the Al-Qassam Brigades had “released the Israeli soldier holding American citizenship” after “communications” with the Trump administration. The terrorist organization explained that the release of Alexander is “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.”
In a statement obtained by Fox News, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “This is a very emotional moment — Edan Alexander has returned home. We embrace him, and we embrace his family.”
“This was achieved thanks to our military pressure and the diplomatic pressure applied by President Trump,” Netanyahu added. “That combination is a winning formula.”
In a Monday post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage, is being sreleased. Congratulations to his wonderful parents, family, and friends!”
Prior to the release of Alexander, the president issued a longer statement, saying, “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 described Alexander’s release as a step that was taken “in good faith towards the United States” and towards Qatar and Egypt, who worked as mediators in the hostage release negotiations. Trump added, “Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict.”
In a video shared by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Alexander’s mother, Yael, can be heard talking to her son for the first time following his release from captivity by Hamas. Alexander’s mother can be heard saying, “They just released a photo of you. You look unbelievable. Wow, you look beautiful. I love you so much… I love you, and I’m going to see you like soon, very soon.”
A picture of Alexander was shared Monday on social media by Sebastian Gorka, a deputy assistant to the president.
