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From the New York Post: Edan Alexander, the last living American held hostage by Hamas, was freed Monday, the terror group said — more than 19 months after he was taken captive.
Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American citizen from New Jersey, was handed over after Red Cross officials moved into Gaza, according to Hamas’ Armed Wing unit.
An Israeli official confirmed to The Post that the handover process was underway just after 6:30 p.m. local time (11:30 a.m. ET).
“According to the information communicated by the Red Cross, one hostage has been transferred to them, and is on his way to IDF and ISA forces in Gaza,” the Israeli military said in an X statement.
🟡According to the information communicated by the Red Cross, one hostage has been transferred to them, and is on his way to IDF and ISA forces in Gaza.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 12, 2025
In a followup nearly an hour later, the IDF added, “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.”
🟡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…
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 12, 2025
President Donald Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, “Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage, is being sreleased. Congratulations to his wonderful parents, family, and friends!”
Alexander, now 21 years old, was 19 when he was taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, the day of the massacre. He had grown up in New Jersey, but voluntarily joined the Israel Defense Forces after graduating from high school. When Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, he was serving with the IDF near the Gaza border.
A huge crowd of people from Alexander’s home town of Tenafly, New Jersey turned out to watch live-stream coverage of his release:
BREAKING: It’s 5:43am EST and the entire town of Tenafly New Jersey is ready to watch the live release of their own resident, Edan Alexander, who has been held in captivity for nearly 600 days. 🇺🇸 🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/gcIl18yW7N
— Jason D. Meister 🇺🇸 (@jason_meister) May 12, 2025
Proud to be standing with my Tenafly community as we watch the release of Edan Alexander. #bringhimhome pic.twitter.com/DF4rljmXki
— Tracy Wolfson (@tracywolfson) May 12, 2025
The Red Cross and Hamas forced Edan Alexander to pose for a photo before his release – parading him like a bounty. Absolutely disgraceful. pic.twitter.com/Z1vbNVz2kL
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) May 12, 2025
Edan Alexander, we have been waiting for you for 584 days. Welcome home! pic.twitter.com/a0hXe9fYkz
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) May 12, 2025
Earlier Monday morning, Yael Alexander, mother of hostage Edan Alexander, was accompanied by U.S. Special Envoy Adam Boehler as they boarded the IDF helicopter which flew them to the Re’im base, where Yael will finally be reunited with her son.
Yael Alexander, mother of hostage Edan Alexander, and U.S. Special Envoy Adam Boehler walk together to board the IDF helicopter that will fly them to the Re’im base, where Yael will finally be reunited with her son. pic.twitter.com/E4NDf4SenR
— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) May 12, 2025
In Israel, a group of people waving Israeli flags, also welcomed Alexander as he was freed by the Hamas terrorists.
JUST NOW: Cheers erupt for the convoy transporting Edan Alexander as he arrives in Israel after 584 days in Hamas captivity. pic.twitter.com/OrlPMNorJJ
— Kassy Akiva (@KassyAkiva) May 12, 2025
Below is the moment Edan was reunited with his family:
Statement from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters:
Edan Is Home. After 584 agonizing 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.… pic.twitter.com/H7E7VaLV9s
— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) May 12, 2025
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