Trump Secures Release of Last Living American Hostage Edan Alexander Held by Hamas Terrorists: ‘Coming Home’

Edan Alexander is set to make his way to freedom amid a temporary ceasefire of 12 hours on Monday to allow for the secure transfer of the American-Israeli soldier who was abducted by Hamas to Gaza during the October 7 massacre, on his way to Israel.

President Donald Trump announced Sunday night that Edan Alexander, an American-Israeli soldier, has been released after 19 months in captivity by Hamas.

“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“I am grateful to all those involved in making this monumental news happen.

“This was a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators — Qatar and Egypt — to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones,” he added. “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!”

Alexander has been in captivity since Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

His release comes as negotiations on a ceasefire and humanitarian aid continue.

“The release of Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, who holds dual US citizenship, will be part of the efforts being made to achieve a ceasefire, open the crossings, and allow aid and relief to reach our people in the Gaza Strip. The movement affirms its readiness to do so,” Hamas leading negotiator Khalid Al Hayya said in a statement, according to the media outlet The National.

Edan Alexander’s birthtown of Tenafly New Jersey is out at 6 in the morning to await his release.

No vulgar chants, no violence, no disrupting the public. This is the difference between our side and theirs.

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— ð—¡ð—¶ð—¼ð—µ ð—•ð—²ð—¿ð—´ ♛ ︎ (@NiohBerg) May 12, 2025

Ynet News is reporting:

The release of the hostage was agreed as a result of direct negotiations between the U.S. and Hamas, and announced by the White House on Sunday. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal on Monday, an Israeli delegation will be leaving for Cairo for a new round of negotiations in an effort to bring about a broader cease-fire and hostage release deal.
Alexander will be handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Khan Younis, before being transported across the border into Israel where he will be met by his parents.
The ICRC said they were not a party to the negotiations but are happy to assist the release and are in contact with the parties involved.

Hamas said Edan would be released without a military or civilian ceremony, to avoid annoying the Americans and his transport would be along secure routes that Israel had already committed to.

Alexander’s return to Israel has already been prepared on the Israeli side and the Red Cross vehicle that will deliver him to the buffer zone along the border with Gaza will be met by an IDF force that will then take the released hostage to the IDF base at Re’im, where he will unite with his family before being taken by helicopter to the Ichilov hospital in Tel Aviv.

Distrust and verify. Sarah Arnold of Townhall: Hamas terrorists announced plans on Sunday to release American hostage Edan Alexander, a move that comes amid ongoing negotiations and increasing international pressure. Alexander, a 19-year-old Israeli-American and former IDF soldier, was taken captive during the October 7 attacks…. Alexander is believed to be the last surviving American hostage held by the terrorist organization. While the exact timing of his release remains uncertain, Reuters reports that he is expected to be freed on Tuesday…. Alexander’s potential release comes ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East this week. He will spend four days in the Arabian Gulf nations, with his most controversial stop being in Qatar (Townhall).

White House hostage envoy Adam Boehler: “It’s a positive step forward, and we would also ask that Hamas release the bodies of four other Americans who were taken.” He also noted that US President Donald Trump’s Middle East swing this week helped spur the move. “The president coming to the region was helpful, as was the work done on this issue by Secretary (of State) Rubio and (US special envoy) Steve Wikoff” (Jerusalem Post).

Trump: “I am grateful to all those involved in making this monumental news happen. This was a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators — Qatar and Egypt — to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones. 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!” (YNET).