President Donald Trump announced the release of Edan Alexander, the last remaining American hostage held by Hamas since October 2023.
According to Breitbart, Trump shared the news on Truth Social, expressing gratitude to mediators Qatar and Egypt for their role in securing the 21-year-old's freedom after 583 days of captivity.
The announcement comes as Hamas signals its readiness to engage in intensive negotiations for a ceasefire agreement. Senior Hamas negotiator Khalil Al-Hayya emphasized the group's commitment to serious discussions about prisoner exchanges and Gaza Strip management under an independent professional body.
Family's emotional Mother's Day reunion
The Alexander family received news of their son's release on Mother's Day, describing it as "the greatest gift imaginable." They expressed profound gratitude to Trump and his senior adviser, Steve Witkoff, for their unwavering efforts to secure Edan's freedom.
The family has urged Israeli officials and negotiators to continue their work, hoping that Edan's release will spark negotiations for the remaining 58 hostages still in captivity. Their statement reflects relief and concern for other families still waiting for news of their loved ones.
Hamas's decision to release Alexander represents a significant gesture toward the United States and the mediating nations. The move is a potential catalyst for broader peace negotiations in the region.
Edan Alexander's military service and capture
Alexander, born in Tel Aviv and raised in Tenafly, New Jersey, joined the Israel Defense Forces after completing high school. His mother, Yael Alexander, remembers him as a cheerful young man with an excellent sense of humor.
The last communication between Edan and his mother occurred on October 7, 2023, during the Hamas terrorist attack. Yael Alexander shares their final conversation:
I joked and said, 'We'll come with an armored vehicle tomorrow, for Shabbat we'll bring you cholent.' He laughed and said, 'They won't let you in, it's dangerous.' I went to bed, and at 6:30 in the morning, my father woke me up to go out to the stairwell, because there was a siren.
That morning, Edan was stationed at a small outpost on the Gaza border when Hamas launched its attack. After brief text messages assuring his mother of his safety during the initial rocket strikes, communication ceased.
Diplomatic breakthrough amid ongoing conflict
Trump's announcement has sparked renewed hope for diplomatic progress in the region. The president emphasized that Alexander's release demonstrates good faith from Hamas toward the United States and mediating nations.
The development occurs as Qatar and Egypt continue their mediation efforts to end the prolonged conflict. Hamas's statement suggesting readiness for negotiations indicates a potential shift in the diplomatic landscape.
Senior Hamas official Al-Hayya's statement outlines the group's willingness to discuss cease-fire terms and prisoner exchanges, marking a significant development in the ongoing peace process.
Steps toward peace and reconciliation
Edan Alexander, an American-Israeli soldier, has been freed after 583 days in Hamas captivity. His release, announced by President Trump on Mother's Day, represents a crucial breakthrough in hostage negotiations. The development has reinvigorated hopes for successful negotiations regarding the remaining 58 hostages while also potentially opening new avenues for peace talks between Israel and Hamas, with Qatar and Egypt continuing their roles as mediators.
