An American-born Israeli soldier is now free after being released by Hamas on Monday, May 12, and has entered Israeli territory, according to The Jerusalem Post. Militants reportedly released Edan Alexander to Red Cross officials in southern Gaza, where he underwent a medical evaluation.
Reuters reported on Sunday, May 11, that the 21-year-old Alexander, who was born and raised in New Jersey, is among two dozen hostages believed to be alive, and was reportedly the last surviving American in captivity. The bodies of four other Americans are still in Gaza, according to Israeli officials.
How are officials responding?
President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to celebrate Alexander’s release. Trump called it a “step taken in good faith” to help end the war. The president added, he is “grateful to all those involved in making this monumental news happen.” Trump also pushed for “ALL living hostages and remains of their loved ones” to be returned by Hamas.
An official of Hamas told NPR that the freeing of Alexander was in exchange for “unspecified gestures the U.S. promised.” The official reportedly suggested that the gestures could be to release some Palestinian prisoners and up the flow of aid into Gaza as a broader ceasefire deal is negotiated to end the war.
However, Israel refuted claims it offered any concessions in exchange for Alexander.
Instead, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu credited the Americans’ release to “President Trump’s diplomacy” and Israel’s ramped-up military campaign in Gaza, in a statement on Monday. Netanyahu added that Israel has not agreed to a ceasefire to secure Alexander’s freedom.
What are civilians saying?
While some Israelis said “Trump is doing a great job in maintaining and continuing to get hostages back,” they also questioned the Israeli government’s efforts to secure the release of the remaining captives.
Some Palestinians also praised Trump, with Awni Abu Kumail telling NPR, “Hamas wants to prove to the U.S. that it isn’t the one holding up the ceasefire talks.” Abu Kumail added, “Trump has shown Israel that the United States is stronger. Without the U.S., there would never be any solutions.”
Release amid Trump’s trip and background
The freeing of the last surviving American hostage comes as President Trump heads to the Middle East during the week of May 11. Trump’s special envoy, Adam Boehler, tells Reuters that, while Alexander’s anticipated release is welcome news, he also asked Hamas to “release the bodies of four other Americans that were taken.”
Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza began after the militant group’s attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which saw around 1,200 people killed and 251 people taken hostage.
The war has killed nearly 53,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.
What happens next?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly told government officials the release of Alexander may lead to negotiations to secure the release of more hostages. He added that the talks will occur as Israel continues its military campaign to dismantle Hamas.
Hamas released 38 hostages in January, but after negotiations on another ceasefire faltered, Israel launched a new military campaign in Gaza aimed at pressuring Hamas to release the remaining hostages by taking over large swaths of the enclave.
Hamas asserts it will only release the remaining hostages as part of a deal to end the war, and has said it will not disarm as requested by Israel.
