Who is Edan Alexander, the Israeli-American hostage released by Hamas?

Published: Monday, May 12, 2025 at 4:38 pm

Edan Alexander: The Last American Hostage Freed from Gaza

Edan Alexander, a 20-year-old Israeli-American soldier, has been released by Hamas after being held hostage in Gaza for 583 days. His release, announced on Sunday, comes ahead of a visit to the region by President Donald Trump. Alexander was the last known living American hostage held by the militant group.

Alexander was captured on October 7, 2023, during the Hamas attack on an Israeli military base. He had volunteered to stay at the base over the Jewish Sabbath. His family, who received the news of his release with immense joy, had been actively advocating for his freedom. They were in contact with Trump's hostage negotiators, and his mother was pictured on a flight to Israel.

Hamas has stated the release was a "goodwill gesture" aimed at reviving stalled ceasefire negotiations. Alexander's release is a small victory amidst a larger tragedy. Of the 251 people taken hostage on October 7th, 58 remain in Gaza, with approximately a third believed to be alive. Alexander's release followed previous releases of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, but the core issues of a lasting ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza remain unresolved. Hamas demands these conditions for the release of the remaining hostages, while Israel insists on the hostages' release and the defeat of Hamas before considering a ceasefire.

Alexander's family has urged the Israeli government to continue efforts to free all remaining hostages, echoing the pleas of other families. They hope his release will be a catalyst for negotiations to end the suffering of all those still held captive.

BNN's Perspective: While the release of Edan Alexander is undoubtedly a cause for celebration, it underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The fact that 58 hostages remain, and the deep-seated political disagreements between Israel and Hamas, highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the conflict. The focus must remain on securing the release of all hostages and finding a path toward peace.

Keywords: Edan Alexander, Hamas, hostage, Gaza, Israel, American, released, Donald Trump, October 7, ceasefire, hostages, Palestinian prisoners, war, conflict, military, Jewish Sabbath, humanitarian crisis, negotiations, peace.

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