Who is Edan Alexander? The last known living US hostage in Gaza to be released by Hamas

Hamas to release US-Israeli hostage as part of efforts to reach Gaza ceasefire (Image credit: Associated press)

Hamas has confirmed the release of Edan Alexander, believed to be the last living American hostage held in Gaza, following talks with the United States aimed at securing a ceasefire and facilitating humanitarian aid into the region.

His release is part of broader efforts to restore calm, reopen border crossings, and resume critical aid deliveries to the blockaded region. This announcement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump is set to visit the Middle East later this week.

“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,” Trump posted on his Truth Social account following the announcement.

In a joint statement, Qatar and Egypt called Hamas’ agreement to free Alexander an "encouraging" step toward the warring parties returning to Gaza ceasefire talks, which have stalled since March.

Edan Alexander was among the 251 hostages taken during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack. It is believed that Hamas still holds 59 hostages, of whom only 24 are thought to be alive. Five of the hostages are American citizens, and Alexander was believed to be the only one still alive.

Who is Edan Alexander?

Alexander, 21, is a dual Israeli-American citizen who was born in Tel Aviv and raised in Tenafly, New Jersey. The eldest of three siblings, he was a competitive swimmer and an enthusiast of extreme sports. After graduating high school, he made aliyah and moved to Tel Aviv to live with his grandparents before voluntarily joining the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in 2022. He served in the elite Golani Brigade.

On October 7, 2023, while his mother was visiting from the United States, Alexander remained on duty at his base near the Gaza border. During the Hamas-led assault that day, he briefly contacted his mother before all communication was lost. He was later confirmed to have been taken hostage.

A senior Hamas official did not specify the exact timing of his release, but sources familiar with the matter told Reuters it is expected to take place on Tuesday. His family has played a prominent role in advocacy efforts, speaking with officials and participating in public campaigns to raise awareness about his captivity.

Family rejoices

The family of Edan Alexander expressed overwhelming joy upon learning of his impending release from captivity in Gaza. His father, Adi Alexander, spoke to Ynet, saying the news came as a complete surprise.

"The entire family is now on the way to Israel," he said. "We were completely surprised to receive the call from [Steve] Witkoff. We knew about the negotiations but not about such a dramatic development."

He added that receiving the news on Mother’s Day made the moment especially meaningful. "It’s very symbolic and moving to get this news exactly on Mother’s Day," he said.