American Hostage Edan Alexander Freed After 580 Days in Hamas Captivity

Edan Alexander is free after more than 580 days held captive by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, the 21-year-old American-Israeli soldier has been released the last known living American held by the group in what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a direct result of “military pressure and the diplomatic pressure applied by President Trump.”

Alexander’s return marks a milestone in the war-torn saga of U.S.-Middle East diplomacy and it was Trump's leadership that delivered results where others had failed for months.

“Congratulations to his wonderful parents, family, and friends!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, moments after the release was confirmed.

Hamas, under growing pressure and now eyeing a ceasefire deal, acknowledged the direct role of the U.S. administration in securing Alexander’s freedom, stating the release was a product of “communications with the U.S. administration.”

Alexander was handed off to an elite Israel Defense Forces unit before being airlifted for medical evaluation and psychological support. A moving photo released by the White House showed Alexander aboard the helicopter, holding a handwritten note “Thank You President Trump!!!”

His mother, Yael Alexander, was brought to tears during a phone call with her son facilitated by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

“Edan, Edan, you’re out? My love, you are safe! That’s it. It’s over now,” she said in a call shared by Israeli media. “Wow, you look beautiful. I love you so much. I’m going to see you.”

The celebration in Tenafly, New Jersey, where Alexander was raised, was immediate and heartfelt. An estimated 3,000 people gathered downtown in support, some arriving as early as 5 a.m. for the news many had waited nearly two years to hear.

Alexander, a member of the elite Golani Brigade, had stayed on duty the weekend of Hamas’ brutal October 7 attack, declining to leave for leave time because he didn’t want to leave his fellow soldiers short-staffed. That loyalty landed him in the hands of one of the world’s most savage terror organizations.

“This is a very emotional moment Edan Alexander has returned home,” Netanyahu said. “This was achieved thanks to our military pressure and the diplomatic pressure applied by President Trump. That combination is a winning formula.”

This wasn’t just a win for Alexander’s family it was a proof of life for Trump’s America First foreign policy. For months under Biden, families of hostages were left with broken promises and silence. Now, one week into Trump’s latest Middle East push with visits planned to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE the first major breakthrough has already been achieved.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “We won’t stop until this conflict is over and all our hostages are home.”

Still, while this victory is worth celebrating, there are 58 hostages still left behind a point echoed powerfully by Ayelet Samerano, the mother of another hostage.

“I thank President Trump and Steve Witkoff for this progress… But please don’t stop. The other 58 hostages have no time left. They are in hell.”

The world is watching. The families are waiting. And after 580 days of darkness, Trump has proven once again that real leadership can bring light and life back home.

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