Hamas Hands Over Edan Alexander, Last Known American Hostage in Gaza, to Red Cross Ahead of Release

Hamas has handed over Edan Alexander, the last known American hostage in Gaza, to the Red Cross in preparation for his release to Israel on Monday, according to both the militant group and Israeli officials.

The announcement came on Sunday night, with Hamas confirming that it had agreed to release Alexander, 21, following days of negotiations with the United States. This move is part of broader efforts to secure a ceasefire and restore humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Alexander’s release comes just one day before U.S. President Donald Trump is set to begin a Middle East tour, which includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

A New Jersey native, Alexander had been serving in the Israeli military near the Gaza border when he was abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023. His mother, Yael, previously described him as a “funny, friendly” young man in an interview with CNN in March.

Despite Alexander’s release, 58 hostages remain in Gaza, with at least 20 believed to still be alive. Among the deceased are four Americans, including the couple Gadi Haggai and Judi Weinstein Haggai, as well as soldiers Itay Chen and Omer Neutra.

Alexander’s family celebrated the news, especially since it came on Mother’s Day, calling it “the greatest gift imaginable.” They expressed gratitude toward Trump, his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and the U.S. administration for their “tireless work.”

Yael Alexander boarded a flight to Israel on Sunday night to reunite with her son after his release. A photo shared by U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Response Adam Boehler showed her on a commercial flight with his team.

Trump described Edan Alexander's release as “monumental news” in a post on Truth Social, calling it a “step taken in good faith toward 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.”

Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi stated in an interview on Hamas-affiliated Al Aqsa TV that the militant group, classified as a terrorist organization by the US and Israel, had directly negotiated with the US to free Alexander in exchange for resuming humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Steve Witkoff, the US Middle East envoy, clarified that the talks with Hamas had been indirect. Witkoff is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday afternoon, according to sources.

Alexander appeared in a proof-of-life video in mid-April, where he appealed to Trump for assistance in securing his release. Just days after that video, Hamas claimed it had lost contact with the group holding Alexander.

Gaza is facing the threat of famine as Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid and commercial goods enters its second month, draining food supplies and pushing the cost of basic goods to alarming levels. The blockade, which Israel says is intended to pressure Hamas to release hostages, has been criticized by international organizations. They argue that this constitutes a violation of international law, with some accusing Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war, potentially a war crime.

Israel has not clarified whether it will resume the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Netanyahu’s office stated on Monday that Israel has not committed to a ceasefire or the release of Palestinian prisoners, but has agreed to a “safe corridor” for Edan Alexander’s release.

In a post on social media Sunday night, former President Trump expressed hope that Alexander’s release would lead to an end to the conflict. However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has emphasized that “negotiations will take place under fire.”

Alexander’s parents have been relentless in their efforts to secure his release. In a March interview with CNN, Yael Alexander, his mother, expressed her longing to be reunited with her son. “I’m a mom, I just want to hold him again, and to say ‘Edan, you’re safe, you’re home.’”