Hamas has released Edan Alexander, an Israeli soldier who holds American citizenship, as part of ongoing efforts to achieve a permanent ceasefire with Israel.

The 21-year-old was believed to be the last living American hostage in Gaza.

In a statement, Hamas said: ” The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades released the captured Israeli soldier, Idan Alexander, a US citizen, a short while ago, following contacts with the US administration. This comes as part of the efforts being made by mediators to achieve a ceasefire, open the crossings, and allow aid and relief to reach our people in the Gaza Strip.

Image:
Edan Alexander. Pic: Hostages and Missing Families Forum via AP

“This step comes after important contacts in which Hamas demonstrated positivity and high flexibility.

“We affirm that serious and responsible negotiations achieve results in the release of prisoners. However, continuing the aggression prolongs their suffering and may kill them.

“We affirm the movement’s readiness to immediately begin negotiations to reach a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire agreement, including the withdrawal of the occupation army, the end of the siege, a prisoner exchange, and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

“We urge the Trump administration to continue its efforts to end this brutal war waged by the war criminal Netanyahu against children, women, and defenceless civilians in the Gaza Strip.”

Mr Alexander was transferred to Israel Defence Forces via the Red Cross.

A sign outside a Jewish community centre in Edan Alexander's home town of Tenafly, New Jersey. File pic: Reuters
Image:
A sign outside a Jewish community centre in Edan Alexander’s home town of Tenafly, New Jersey. File pic: Reuters

An IDF statement said: “The returning hostage is currently being accompanied by IDF special forces on his return to Israeli territory, where he will undergo an initial medical assessment and meet with his family.

“The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the returning hostage as he makes his way home to the State of Israel.

“The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit asks everyone to respect the privacy of the returning hostage and his family.”

Mr Alexander’s parents, who live in the US, made the journey to Israel ahead of the expected release.

The family said they were deeply grateful to US President Donald Trump and his administration for its work to secure the release – and have urged the Israeli government to continue efforts to free all hostages.

Mr Alexander, who is from New Jersey, was 19 when he was taken from his base on the border with Gaza in southern Israel during the Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters said in a statement: “After 584 agonising days in captivity, Edan has returned home – to his family who worked tirelessly for his release, to his friends, and to an entire nation that fought and prayed for his return.

The group called his release “a ray of light and hope, but also a stark reminder that 58 men and women remain captive in Gaza.

“We must not leave a single hostage behind. Without bringing everyone home, there can be no true victory, no healing, and no rebuilding as a nation.

“The return of all hostages is our generation’s most urgent and critical mission. We will bring them back. We will rise again.​”