Edan Alexander, the last American citizen still held by Hamas since the October 2023 attack, is expected to be released soon. This is according to a statement by the group. The release is reportedly part of ongoing mediation efforts. These efforts aim to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, reopen blocked crossings, and restart humanitarian aid. While Hamas did not confirm an exact timeline, two officials familiar with the situation told the Associated Press that Alexander could be freed within 48 hours.
Alexander, 20, is an Israeli-American who grew up in New Jersey. He served in the Israeli military. He was abducted on October 7, 2023, during a large-scale assault by Hamas militants. That attack claimed 1,200 lives and resulted in 251 hostages being taken from southern Israel. He was seized from a military base near the Gaza border and has remained in captivity for 583 days.
The Israeli government confirmed it was aware of the planned release, describing it as a goodwill gesture toward the United States. According to Israeli officials, this step is expected to restart talks under a previously discussed plan proposed by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Israel has already accepted this framework and is preparing for negotiations to proceed even amid ongoing military operations.
Family Of Edan Alexander Celebrates, Pushes for More Hostage Releases
Edan’s family received the news on Mother’s Day and described it as the best possible gift. They thanked former President Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff, and the U.S. government for their continued efforts. The family urged Israeli leaders not to stop now and hoped this development would mark the beginning of negotiations to free the remaining 58 hostages.
MONUMENTAL NEWS: "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." –President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/zTFBzD5rBN
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 11, 2025
President Trump praised the announcement and called it a positive move made in good faith. He cited the mediation efforts by Qatar and Egypt. He expressed hope that this release would be the first major step toward resolving the conflict and bringing all hostages and remains home.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum also welcomed the news. They emphasized that Alexander’s release should lead to a broader agreement. The group, formed by the families of hostages, encouraged both Israeli and U.S. leaders to keep working until all captives are freed.
Alexander was last heard from on the morning of his abduction. He had messaged his mother about nearby explosions and shrapnel damage to his helmet. After that, his family lost contact. His parents later met with Presidents Biden and Trump to push for a deal to free all hostages. Reports said some hostages released in November had seen him and described him as calm and reassuring to others in captivity.
Since the temporary truce in November 2023, fewer than 50 people have been freed. That brief ceasefire ended in March 2024. With Israel’s renewed offensive, the death toll in Gaza has climbed to nearly 53,000, according to Palestinian sources.
Also Read: Oscar Winning Palestinian Director Hamdan Ballal Goes Missing After Being Lynched by Israeli Forces
