Edan Alexander Freed After 584 Days in Hamas Captivity

In a moment of profound relief and national significance, Edan Alexander an Israeli-American IDF soldier was freed on Monday after 584 days in Hamas captivity in Gaza. His return marks the first release of a male IDF soldier kidnapped on October 7, 2023, and the homecoming of the last known living American hostage held by the terror group.

Alexander, 21, was released in the Khan Yunis area by Hamas’s “Shadow Unit” and transferred to the International Committee of the Red Cross before being escorted to Israeli territory by IDF special forces. Despite requiring assistance to walk, Alexander was reportedly able to make the journey under his own strength with help from Red Cross staff.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed his return, calling it “a very emotional moment.” He credited the success to both “our military pressure and the diplomatic pressure exerted by President Trump.”

Defense Minister Israel Katz praised the reunion, saying, “I thank the President of the United States and the U.S. administration for their efforts… We are committed to doing everything possible until all the hostages our brothers and sisters, both the living and the fallen are brought back.”

Alexander’s release came without an Israeli concession or ceasefire deal. However, the IDF reportedly paused some intelligence operations and held fire to ensure a safe transfer. The Prime Minister’s Office emphasized, “Jerusalem did not commit to any ceasefire or the release of terrorists.”

Following his handover, Alexander was brought to the IDF’s Re’im base for a medical evaluation before reuniting with his family, who had flown in from New Jersey. He is expected to continue treatment at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center.

Hamas stated that the release was “part of the steps being taken to achieve a truce.” The gesture follows direct engagement with Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and is widely seen as part of a broader diplomatic push led by Washington.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee expressed hope that Alexander’s freedom would herald more returns. “We hope that this long-overdue release marks the beginning of the end to this terrible war,” he said. “We demand the immediate release of all remaining hostages.”

As of Alexander’s release, 58 hostages remain in Gaza, with Israel believing up to 23 are still alive. The remains of four American citizens are also held by Hamas. Netanyahu reaffirmed his government’s commitment “This isn’t just lip service; it’s a massive effort by all Israeli security and intelligence agencies.”

Following high-level meetings with Witkoff and Huckabee, Netanyahu spoke with President Trump, thanking him for his efforts. “He told me: ‘I am committed to Israel… to achieve all of our war goals: to free all the hostages and to defeat Hamas,’” the prime minister said.

Jerusalem has now dispatched a delegation to Doha to pursue a last-ditch deal under the existing Witkoff framework, but insists military operations will continue until all hostages are home.

Edan Alexander’s release is a triumph of persistence, pressure, and prayer a reminder that Israel will never stop fighting for its sons and daughters.

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