Hamas militant group has transferred Edan Alexander, the last known living American hostage in Gaza, to the Red Cross ahead of his handover to Israel, according to both the militant group and Israeli officials.
The 21-year-old, a New Jersey native serving in the Israeli military, was abducted by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attack. His release follows several days of negotiations between the U.S. and Hamas, part of wider efforts to secure a ceasefire and resume humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Alexander’s freedom comes just ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East tour, which includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. His family described the timing on Mother’s Day as “the greatest gift imaginable” and expressed gratitude to Trump, envoy Steve Witkoff, and the U.S. administration.
Yael Alexander, Edan’s mother, flew to Israel Sunday night to reunite with her son. A photo shared by U.S. Special Envoy Adam Boehler showed her aboard a commercial flight with the American delegation.
Trump called the development “monumental news” and a step toward peace, praising the mediation efforts of Qatar and Egypt. Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi told Al Aqsa TV that the group had negotiated directly with the U.S. for Alexander’s release in exchange for the resumption of humanitarian aid.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office clarified that no ceasefire or prisoner release deal was made—only a commitment to a safe corridor for Alexander’s transfer. Netanyahu reiterated that negotiations would “take place under fire.”
Fifty-eight hostages remain in Gaza, with at least 20 believed to be alive. Among the deceased are four American citizens. Hamas is classified as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and Israel.
Gaza, meanwhile, faces worsening famine as humanitarian aid remains blocked. International groups have accused Israel of violating international law by using starvation as a weapon of war.
Alexander was last seen in a proof-of-life video in mid-April, appealing directly to Trump. Days later, Hamas claimed it lost contact with the militants holding him.
His mother, speaking earlier to CNN, said: “I’m a mom. I just want to hold him again, and to say ‘Edan, you’re safe, you’re home.’
