Edan Alexander

Edan Alexander is an American-Israeli former hostage who became the last known living American citizen held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza War hostage crisis. His captivity and eventual release after 584 days received extensive international media coverage and political attention. His abduction during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, his dual U.S.-Israeli citizenship, and his role as an Israeli soldier made his case particularly significant. Alexander's release was the result of high-profile negotiations involving the U.S. government and was marked by meetings with President Trump at the White House.

Background

Alexander was born to Israeli parents in Tel Aviv. The family moved to the U.S. when he was a baby.[1] Alexander returned to Israel in 2022 after high school in his hometown of Tenafly, NJ and enlisted in the military.

Events of October 7, 2023

During the October 7 attack on Israel, Hamas militants seized Alexander from his military base. He had volunteered to stay there over the Jewish Sabbath.[2]

Captivity

Alexander was held in underground tunnels, Hamas safe houses, mosques, schools, and tents of displaced Palestinians. He was once transferred by a militant that was disguised as a woman, going through a busy Gaza market. He was kept with Matan Zangauker for some time. He was forced to drink only sea-water, given only dirty bread, and lost about 20kg in weight. He described captivity as “year of hell.”[3] Alexander was held with Itzik Elgarat, whose body was returned in June 2025 after his death due to a heart attack as he was subjected to torture during interrogations.[4]

Hamas released a video of Alexander in November 2024 in which he pleaded for help.[2]

Alexander said he had been held in a cage in a Hamas underground tunnel with his hands and feet bound.[5] Alexander was handcuffed, beaten and interrogated during his time in captivity, according to his father, who added, “His whole body has bedbug bites. His skin is in terrible condition.”[6]

Release

Alexander entered Israel from Gaza in May 2025 in a deal made directly between Hamas and the United States.[7] He was seen with masked Hamas fighters as they handed him over to Red Cross workers in Khan Younis.[8] Alexander was given a Star of David necklace by Steve Witkoff, U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, who had played an active role in the negotiations.[9] The necklace had belonged to Witkoff's late son, Andrew.[10] Other negotiators credited by President Trump included Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Special Envoy for Hostage Response Adam Boehler.[11] Alexander's family had met with the President multiple times while they were advocating for his release.[12]

Post-release activities

Alexander returned to large crowds in his hometown of Tenafly. US Representative Josh Gottheimer, a Jewish New Jersey Democrat, described his return as "a huge day worthy of great celebration across our state.”[13] Alexander was greeted by President Trump at the White House on July 3, 2025.[6] His family urged the Israeli government to continue efforts to free the 58 remaining hostages in Gaza.[14]

References

  1. ^ Palmer, Kathryn; Yellin, Deena (2025-05-12). "Who is Edan Alexander? What to know about US-Israeli hostage". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
  2. ^ a b Shurafa, Wafaa; Magdy, Samy; Goldenberg, Tia; Press, Associated (2025-05-12). "Who is Edan Alexander, the Israeli-American hostage released by Hamas?". PBS News. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
  3. ^ "Terrorists dressed as women transferred Edan Alexander across Gaza, released hostage recounts". The Jerusalem Post. 16 May 2025. Archived from the original on 27 May 2025. Retrieved 27 May 2025.
  4. ^ Sokol, Sam (2025-06-30). "Hamas tortured hostage Itzik Elgarat to death, thinking he was a pilot, says brother". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
  5. ^ Kingsley, Patrick; Reiss, Johnatan; Rasgon, Adam (2025-05-12). "Hamas Frees Edan Alexander, American Hostage Held in Gaza, in Deal With U.S." The New York Times. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
  6. ^ a b Nierenberg, Amelia (2025-07-04). "Trump Welcomes Edan Alexander, Former Hamas Hostage, to White House". The New York Times. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
  7. ^ Schifrin, Nick; Warsi, Zeba (2025-05-12). "Last living American hostage released by Hamas as Netanyahu plans for Gaza's reoccupation". PBS News. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
  8. ^ Chisholm, Johanna (2025-05-12). "Edan Alexander: Hostage reunites with family after being freed by Hamas". BBC Home. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
  9. ^ Burridge, Tom Soufi (2025-05-13). "Freed US hostage Edan Alexander's parents speak out in exclusive ABC News interview: 'It finally happened'". Yahoo News. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
  10. ^ Rozner, Lisa (2025-05-13). "Edan Alexander's family describes his "battle between hope and despair" leading up to release". CBS New York. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
  11. ^ "Who is Edan Alexander? Last known American hostage in Gaza set to be released by Hamas". The Times of India. 2025-05-12. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
  12. ^ "Freed American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander meets with President Trump at White House". ABC7 New York. 2025-07-03. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
  13. ^ Tress, Luke (2025-06-20). "Freed hostage Edan Alexander given jubilant welcome as he returns home to New Jersey". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
  14. ^ Press, Associated; Frankel, Julia; Lidman, Melanie (2025-05-12). "Who is Edan Alexander, the Israeli-American hostage released by Hamas?". WHYY. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
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