Who is Edan Alexander? All about the American hostage held by Hamas, now set to walk free

In a significant development, Hamas has announced plans to release Edan Alexander, a 20-year-old Israeli-American soldier from New Jersey, who has been held hostage in Gaza since October 7, 2023. This move is seen as a gesture towards the United States and is part of ongoing mediation efforts aimed at establishing a ceasefire and resuming humanitarian aid deliveries to the region.

Alexander was abducted during a Hamas-led attack on Israel, where approximately 250 individuals were taken hostage, and over 1,200 were killed. His impending release marks a pivotal moment in the prolonged conflict, potentially paving the way for broader negotiations involving the release of additional hostages and a long-term truce.

U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, confirmed the agreement, highlighting the collaborative efforts of mediators from Qatar and Egypt in facilitating this outcome. President Donald Trump expressed gratitude for the development, emphasizing its significance in the broader context of resolving the conflict and returning all hostages to their families.


While the exact timing of Alexander's release remains unspecified, reports suggest it could occur within the next 48 hours. Israeli officials have acknowledged the planned release, noting it as a potential step towards renewed negotiations under previously accepted terms.

President Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Sunday that he is "grateful to all those involved in making this monumental news happen." "This was a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators — Qatar and Egypt — to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones," he wrote. "Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict. I look very much forward to that day of celebration!"

Reports say Steve Witkoff, personally called Edan Alexander’s parents, Yael and Adi, on Sunday afternoon to deliver the news. Soon after, the Alexanders boarded a flight to Israel alongside U.S. hostage envoy Adam Boehler, aiming to be there in time for Edan’s long-awaited release. Witkoff, meanwhile, was expected to travel separately from Oman, where he had just wrapped up the fourth round of nuclear talks with Iran.

“We’re all on our way to Israel now,” Edan’s father, Adi, told Ynet. “Getting that call from Witkoff completely surprised us. We knew negotiations were ongoing, but we had no idea things had progressed this far.”