Trump Announces Release of American Hostage Edan Alexander by Hamas
Former President Donald Trump has announced that Edan Alexander, an American citizen held hostage by Hamas since the October 7th attacks on southern Israel, is expected to be released. The announcement comes after nearly two years of captivity for Alexander, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen. Trump shared the news on his social media platform, Truth Social, expressing gratitude to those involved in securing Alexander’s release and framing it as a positive step towards ending the ongoing conflict.
"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. He further acknowledged the efforts of mediators, Qatar and Egypt, in facilitating the release. "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." Trump expressed hope that this release would be the first of many steps towards resolving the conflict, stating, "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!"
Hamas has also claimed to be in contact with the U.S. administration in recent days, signaling a willingness to release Alexander. A statement from the organization indicated a "high level of positivity" and stated that Alexander’s release would be part of steps towards a ceasefire, the opening of border crossings, and the entry of aid to Gaza.
Vice President JD Vance also commented on the development, expressing hope that Hamas would follow through with the release. He credited Steve Witkoff for his role in negotiating complex diplomatic proposals and working towards freeing hostages. "Pray that Hamas follows through and Edan gets to come home. If they do, it will have been another triumph of Steve Witkoff, who continues to face withering attacks for freeing hostages, negotiating complex diplomatic proposals, and serving his country (at great financial cost)."
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters released a statement expressing support for the Alexander family and emphasizing that this release should mark the beginning of a comprehensive agreement to secure the freedom of all remaining hostages. "Should this release be confirmed, the release of Edan Alexander must mark the beginning of a comprehensive agreement that will secure the freedom of all remaining hostages," the statement read. The organization also urged Trump to continue his efforts to bring all hostages home. "President Trump, you’ve given the families of all the hostages hope. Please, complete your mission and bring them all home."
The announcement comes after mounting pressure on Trump from families of hostages and members of Congress to prioritize their release. Recently, Trump marked his 100th day in office, prompting families of the five remaining American hostages to urge him to reflect on his strategy and increase pressure on both Israel and Hamas to secure their release through economic and diplomatic means. Fifty members of Congress also sent a letter to Trump on May 9th, urging him to prioritize the release of the remaining hostages.
In their letter to Trump, the members of Congress highlighted the plight of the five American hostages, including Edan Alexander, Omer Neutra, Itay Chen, Gadi Haggai, and Judi Weinstein Haggai. They noted that only Alexander is believed to be alive, while the others were either murdered on October 7th or in captivity. "As months have passed since the most recent exchange, we must keep the five remaining Americans and additional 54 hostages top of mind. The five American hostages include Edan Alexander, Omer Neutra, Itay Chen, Gadi Haggai and Judi Weinstein Haggai. Only Alexander is believed to be alive while Nuetra, Chen, Haggai and Weinstein Haggai were either murdered on October 7th or in captivity."
The letter emphasized the government’s responsibility to keep Americans safe and urged Trump to use all available diplomatic tools to secure Alexander’s release and the return of the remains of the deceased American hostages. "Our government’s most solemn responsibility is to keep Americans safe. With that responsibility in mind, we urge you to use all diplomatic tools at your disposal, in concert with our regional allies and partners, to ensure Edan’s release and the release of the remains of the deceased American hostages as soon as possible. Every day in captivity adds to the nightmare for the hostages and their families. We must bring them home now," the letter continued.
Edan Alexander’s background reveals his deep connection to Israel and his commitment to service. Raised in Tenafly, New Jersey, he moved to Israel at 18 to volunteer for military service in the IDF’s Golani Brigade. He lived with his grandparents in Tel Aviv and at Kibbutz Hazor, where he was part of a group of lone soldiers. Alexander was kidnapped on October 7th while serving on guard duty at his base. He had the option to go home for the weekend to visit his mother, who was visiting from abroad, but he chose to stay and support his comrades.
There are currently 59 hostages still in Gaza, with at least 24 assessed to be alive, including Alexander, who is now 21 years old and has spent two birthdays in Hamas captivity.
The news of Alexander’s impending release brings a glimmer of hope to the families of the remaining hostages and underscores the ongoing efforts to secure their freedom. While the details of the release remain unclear, the announcement represents a significant step towards potentially resolving the hostage crisis and de-escalating the conflict between Israel and Hamas. It remains to be seen whether this release will pave the way for a comprehensive agreement that brings all hostages home and establishes a lasting peace.
