Edan Alexander, a 20-year-old American-Israeli soldier held hostage by Hamas for nearly 20 months, has been released in a surprise move that may signal a shift in efforts to end the war in Gaza.
Alexander, captured on October 7, 2023, during Hamas’s attack on his Israel Defence Forces (IDF) base, was freed with no ceasefire in place. He was handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross, dressed in civilian clothes, after what Hamas called “direct contacts” with the U.S. administration.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who celebrated the release on Truth Social, called it “a good faith step” and urged continued efforts to end the war and recover all remaining hostages. “Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage, is being released. Congratulations to his wonderful parents, family, and friends!” Trump posted.
Hamas said the unilateral release aimed to “achieve a ceasefire, open crossings, and bring aid and relief to our people in Gaza,” and called on Trump’s administration to “continue its efforts to end this brutal war.”
Edan Alexander release period
The release occurred as Gaza faces worsening humanitarian conditions, with UN-backed experts warning that over 500,000 Palestinians are on the brink of starvation amid an Israeli siege.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude to Trump but emphasised the role of Israeli military pressure in the release. “This was achieved thanks to our military pressure and the diplomatic pressure applied by President Trump. This is a winning combination,” he said.
Alexander, held in a tunnel in Gaza and shackled with other captives, reportedly told Israeli forces after his return that he had been confined in a cage and endured months of captivity underground.
His release, brokered by mediators from Qatar and Egypt, took place on the eve of Trump’s first Middle East trip since his re-election. While Trump has maintained strong support for Israel in the past, Israel is notably absent from his itinerary.
Amid speculation of strained ties, Trump’s ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, downplayed any rift, saying after a meeting with Netanyahu and envoy Steve Witkoff, “Forget rumours. We’re all on the same page.”
The U.S.-brokered release has renewed calls inside Israel for a broader hostage deal. As crowds gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, Trump claimed only 20 remaining hostages are still alive, an assertion the Israeli government has not confirmed.
Netanyahu said Israeli negotiators had been dispatched to Doha to explore a possible ceasefire deal, but his coalition is divided. While Trump urges a truce, far-right members of Netanyahu’s government are pushing for a continued offensive.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reiterated calls to destroy Gaza entirely, stating earlier this month that Palestinians should “leave in great numbers.”
Public pressure on Netanyahu is mounting. Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan was once held with Alexander, accused the prime minister of sacrificing hostages for political survival.
“Instead of saving lives and bringing everyone back, he chose to turn our loved ones into corpses,” she said, calling Netanyahu an “angel of death” and urging mass protests to oust him.
With 58 hostages still believed to be held in Gaza, many Israelis are demanding action. Whether Alexander’s release becomes a turning point or a brief pause in a long and bloody conflict remains to be seen.
