Tuesday, May 13, 2025 - 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.’
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