Edan Alexander Freed by Hamas in “Good Faith Step,” Trump Says, as U.S. Pushes for Gaza Ceasefire

 Tel Aviv / Washington, D.C. In a significant development amid ongoing hostilities in Gaza, Hamas has unilaterally released U.S.-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, marking the return of the last known living American held hostage in the region. The move, made without a ceasefire agreement, was welcomed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who hailed it as a “good faith step” toward ending the war and facilitating the return of all remaining hostages.

Alexander, a 20-year-old dual national serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), had been held captive for 584 days after being abducted from his military base during the October 7, 2023, cross-border attack. His release was conducted in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), with limited involvement from the Israeli government beyond ground-level logistics.

“Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage, is being released. Congratulations to his wonderful parents, family, and friends!” President Trump posted on Truth Social on Monday.

Hamas confirmed the release in a statement, saying it was the result of discussions with the U.S. administration aimed at “achieving a ceasefire, opening crossings, and bringing aid and relief to our people in Gaza.” The group added: “We urge President Trump’s administration to continue its efforts to end this brutal war.”

President Trump, in an earlier post, framed the release as “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.”

The return of Alexander occurred without a formal halt in fighting, though the Israeli military did observe a temporary pause around midday to facilitate the transfer. Dressed in civilian clothes, Alexander was handed over by masked Hamas militants to a Red Cross representative, and transported to the Israeli border where his family, who had flown in from the U.S., awaited him following initial medical checks.

Following his release, Alexander told Israeli forces that he had been held handcuffed in a cage inside a tunnel, along with other hostages, according to a report by Israel’s Kan News.

Netanyahu Credits “Military Pressure,” Trump for Release

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement crediting both Israeli military pressure and diplomatic coordination with Washington for Alexander’s release.

“This was achieved thanks to our military pressure and the diplomatic pressure applied by President Trump. This is a winning combination,” Netanyahu said.

While Trump has increasingly called for a diplomatic resolution, Netanyahu has maintained that sustained military pressure remains the most effective means of securing the return of hostages. The release comes just ahead of Trump’s first visit to the Middle East since his re-election, with Israel notably absent from his travel itinerary—a decision seen by analysts as a signal of cooling relations between the two allies.

Nevertheless, Trump’s ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, rejected any suggestion of tension. “Forget rumours. We’re all on the same page,” he said after meeting with Netanyahu and Trump’s regional envoy Steve Witkoff, calling the talks “excellent.”

Qatar, Egypt Signal Hope for Ceasefire Talks

Qatar and Egypt, who jointly brokered Alexander’s release, described the development as a positive sign for potential ceasefire negotiations. In response, Netanyahu confirmed he has dispatched Israeli negotiators to Doha to explore new truce possibilities—despite plans for an intensified Israeli ground campaign in Gaza.

Still, Netanyahu faces a complex political balancing act. Members of his ruling coalition, particularly from the far right, have expressed firm opposition to halting military operations. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recently declared that “Gaza will be entirely destroyed” and called for the mass displacement of its population.

Trump, while previously supportive of such views, has shifted focus toward ending the conflict, urging a broader deal that includes returning all hostages and remains. He has refrained from directly criticizing Netanyahu but appears increasingly impatient with the Israeli government's war strategy.

Hostage Families Demand Action

As news of Alexander’s release spread, crowds gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, watching footage of the handover and calling for the return of other captives still in Gaza. Trump said in remarks following the release that only 20 hostages are believed to be alive, a figure not confirmed by the Israeli government.

Families of the remaining hostages are intensifying pressure on Netanyahu to reach a broader deal. Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker—who was reportedly held alongside Alexander—criticized the prime minister in stark terms:

“Instead of ending the war and bringing everyone back, Netanyahu is preparing to expand the war this week. To execute the kidnapped who remain in captivity and to make the dead disappear,” she said.
“Instead of saving lives and bringing everyone back, he chose to turn our loved ones into corpses.”

As diplomatic efforts resume and military operations continue, the release of Edan Alexander stands as a rare moment of relief in a grinding conflict—one that could prove pivotal in shaping the next phase of U.S.-Israel relations and Gaza war diplomacy.