Last Living American Israeli Hostage to Be Released Ahead of Trump’s Middle East Trip

Hamas agreed to release Edan Alexander, the last living American Israeli hostage in Gaza, hours before President Donald Trump is slated to leave the White House for a four-day trip to the Middle East.  

Trump called Alexander’s release “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.”  

Alexander, 21, has been held hostage since Oct. 7, 2023, more than 550 days, and is expected to be released as soon as Monday morning.  

“Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict,” Trump added on Truth Social. “I look very much forward to that day of celebration!”  

Alexander was born in Tel Aviv but grew up in New Jersey. He chose to return to Israel to serve in the Israel Defense Forces after high school.  

Alexander was stationed on the Israel-Gaza border on Oct. 7, 2023, during Hamas’ attack on Israel. That morning, he spoke to his mother, Yael Alexander, on the phone and told her it was “like a war” there but assured her he was safe. That was the last time they spoke. 

During a conversation with The Daily Signal earlier this year, Yael Alexander said she will be able to “breathe for the first time in a long time” when her son is finally set free.  

Alexander’s family learned of his forthcoming release on Mother’s Day, and expressed their “deepest gratitude” Trump, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, and the Trump administration “for their tireless work to make this happen.”  

“We urge the Israeli government and the negotiating teams: please don’t stop,” the family continued. “We hope our son’s release begins negotiations for all 58 remaining hostages, ending this nightmare for them and their families. No hostage should be left behind.”  

Hamas announced the release of Alexander as a gesture of “goodwill” as negotiations to end the war between Israel and Hamas continue, according to reporting from the BBC.  

Another 58 hostages remain in Gaza, though at least 35 are dead. The bodies of American hostages Itay Chen, Gadi Haggai, Judi Haggai, and Omer Nuetra remain in Gaza. 

The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Alexander’s release is “possible due to the vigorous policy that we have led with the backing of President Trump, and thanks to the military pressure of IDF soldiers in the Gaza Strip.” 

“Israel has not committed to a ceasefire of any kind or the release of terrorists but only to a safe corridor that will allow for the release of Edan,” the prime minister’s office added. 

Last week, Israeli defense officials announced Hamas has “a window of opportunity” to agree to a hostage deal with Israel before the end of Trump’s visit to the Middle East. If no deal is reached, Israel plans to launch an aggressive campaign inside Gaza aimed at the elimination of Hamas.  

Trump will visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates from May 13 to 16.  

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