After 584 days in Hamas captivity, 21-year-old Israeli-American Edan Alexander was released on Monday, May 12, 2025, reuniting with his family in a tearful embrace at an IDF base near Re’im. Captured during the October 7, 2023, attack, the dual citizen’s freedom marked a moment of hope amid Israel’s ongoing conflict. Pale but resolute, Alexander hugged his parents and brother, his smile a testament to his enduring spirit despite the scars of his ordeal.
The release, brokered through direct U.S.-Hamas negotiations led by President Donald Trump’s administration, caught many by surprise. Israeli officials were informed only late Sunday, underscoring the swift diplomacy. Alexander, who had been confined in a Hamas tunnel, spoke briefly with Trump, who hailed the release as a “good faith step” toward peace. Trump announced his joy for Alexander’s family, calling the moment a victory for perseverance and diplomatic resolve.
Yael Alexander, Edan’s mother, wept as she addressed her son, her voice trembling with relief. “You are strong. You are protected. You are home,” she said, words that echoed the family’s relentless campaign to secure his freedom. For over a year, Yael and her husband met with world leaders, including Trump, pleading for action. Their advocacy, shared through countless vigils and public appeals, became a rallying cry for families of the 58 hostages still held in Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the reunion as “deeply moving,” crediting a blend of IDF operations and Trump’s negotiations. He spoke with Trump on Monday, with the U.S. president reaffirming support for Israel’s mission to defeat Hamas and free all captives. Yet, the deal sparked debate. Opposition leader Yair Lapid labeled the U.S.-Hamas talks a “diplomatic failure” by Netanyahu’s government, arguing Israel should have led the effort. Hostage families, while overjoyed for Alexander, urged a broader agreement to bring their loved ones home.
Alexander’s physical and emotional state reflects the toll of captivity. Held in harsh conditions with scarce food and restricted movement, he appeared frail but determined. Medical evaluations confirmed he is stable, though recovery will require time and care. The Israeli government has committed to providing comprehensive support, including psychological therapy to help him rebuild his life. His family, surrounded by supporters at the base, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love from across Israel and beyond.
The release occurred without a ceasefire, highlighting the delicate balance of negotiations. Hamas views the gesture as a step toward pressuring Israel for a larger deal, while Netanyahu insists military pressure will continue until all hostages are freed. As Trump prepares for a Middle East tour, global attention remains fixed on the conflict and the fate of those still captive.
In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, crowds gathered to celebrate Alexander’s return, their cheers mingling with calls for further action. Banners waved high, bearing messages of hope and solidarity. “Edan’s freedom is a miracle, but our fight isn’t over,” said a member of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. The group praised the Alexander family’s strength, urging leaders to seize this momentum for a comprehensive resolution.
For the Alexanders, the focus is on healing. Edan, surrounded by loved ones, took his first steps toward recovery, his resilience a beacon for a nation yearning for peace. As Israel grapples with the war’s complexities, his homecoming reminds us of the human cost—and the enduring power of hope.
