Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander has returned to Israel after spending 19 months in Hamas captivity in Gaza, according to a statement from Israel's Defence Ministry.
Alexander arrived at the Re&rsquo;im military base in southern Israel, near the Gaza border, where he was reunited with his family. His relatives had flown in from the United States just hours earlier.
A photo taken in Gaza prior to his release showed Alexander, dressed in a black T-shirt and baseball cap, being escorted by armed Hamas militants alongside a Red Cross official during the handover.
His release came as a result of direct negotiations between the United States and Hamas.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the news, posting on Truth Social: &ldquo;Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage, is being released. Congratulations to his wonderful parents, family, and friends!&rdquo;
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement saying the country &ldquo;embraces&rdquo; Alexander and reaffirmed Israel&rsquo;s commitment to securing the return of all hostages and missing persons, both living and deceased. He emphasized that the government will continue to work relentlessly until all are brought home.
Shira Solomon, spokesperson for the Israeli Health Ministry, confirmed that Alexander was undergoing initial medical evaluation at the Re&rsquo;im reception center and would later be transferred to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv. Medical and psychological support teams are ready to provide him and his family with comprehensive care.
In Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, a large crowd gathered to witness Alexander&rsquo;s return broadcast on big screens. The square, renamed following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, was filled with people holding his photos and placards reading: &ldquo;Only an end to the war in Gaza would secure the release of the remaining hostages.&rdquo;
Hamas sources confirmed that Alexander was handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, before being moved to the Israeli-controlled buffer zone and then to the Re&rsquo;im base.
Eyewitnesses in Khan Younis reported a temporary halt in Israeli military activity during the transfer, with a relatively calm atmosphere prevailing.
The Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas' armed wing, stated that Alexander's release was part of ongoing mediation efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire, reopening crossings, and enabling humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.
Alexander, a U.S.-born soldier serving in the Israeli military, was abducted on October 7, 2023, during a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that left approximately 1,200 people dead and 251 others kidnapped.
His return is seen as a significant development ahead of renewed negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire. Talks, involving mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, are set to begin Tuesday. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office confirmed that a delegation would travel to Doha for the discussions but stressed that the talks would proceed "only under fire."
Since October 2023, according to local health authorities in Gaza, Israeli military operations have resulted in the deaths of 52,862 Palestinians and injuries to 119,648 others.

Alexander’s release, brokered through U.S.-Hamas talks, paves the way for renewed Gaza ceasefire negotiations as families of remaining hostages await hopeful news

Freed Israeli-American Hostage Edan Alexander Returns to Israel from Gaza

Alexander’s release, brokered through U.S.-Hamas talks, paves the way for renewed Gaza ceasefire negotiations as families of remaining hostages await ...

May 13, 2025 | 15:15 IST