Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier, was freed from Hamas captivity in Gaza on Monday after 584 days. The release, facilitated by Israeli military operations and U.S. diplomatic support, was celebrated across Israel and in Alexander’s hometown of Tenafly, New Jersey.

Alexander, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, was abducted by Hamas terrorist during the Oct. 7, 2023 massacre, which killed 1,200 people and saw 251 people taken hostage. Serving in an elite infantry unit near the Gaza border, he endured over 19 months in captivity. His release followed sustained Israeli efforts, including a blockade on Gaza initiated in March 2025, aimed at pressuring Hamas.

The handover took place in Khan Younis, where Hamas transferred Alexander to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which then delivered him to Israeli forces. He was transported to Re’im military base for initial medical evaluations before being airlifted to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv for further care. A video released by the IDF captured an emotional call between Alexander and his mother, Yael, who expressed relief and love, saying, “You are safe. You are home.”

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu described the release as a “significant achievement,” attributing it to a combination of military and diplomatic efforts, including cooperation with the U.S. administration. President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to visit the Middle East on Tuesday, called the release a “major step forward” and praised the collaborative efforts. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff was in Israel to oversee the operation, underscoring the strong U.S.-Israel partnership.

The Alexander family expressed gratitude to President Trump, Witkoff, and the U.S. administration for their support. In Tenafly, New Jersey, community members gathered in Huyler Park to celebrate, while in Tel Aviv, crowds assembled in Hostage Square to watch live broadcasts of the release.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed Alexander’s return as a “hopeful milestone” but called for continued efforts to secure the release of the remaining 58 hostages, 24 of whom are believed to be alive.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)