Edan Alexander Freed: Hamas Releases Israeli-American Hostage. U.S. and Israeli leaders welcome the return of the last known American hostage, and the first male IDF soldier released since October 7, 2023, even as Jerusalem affirms: “There is no ceasefire.”

As a “gesture” to US President Hamas has released Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier held hostage in Gaza for more than seven months. Captured during the October 7th Hamas massacre on southern Israel, Alexander’s return was orchestrated not through an IDF rescue operation, but rather through a unilateral move by Hamas, facilitated by foreign intermediaries, including Egypt, Qatar, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The release, confirmed Monday, came as a surprise to many. Hamas stated it was acting “as a humanitarian gesture” and “in response to international mediation efforts.” However, Israeli officials rejected any implication that a broader ceasefire had been agreed to. “Israel has not committed to a ceasefire of any kind,” the Prime Minister’s Office said bluntly. “The IDF continues its operations in Gaza, including in Rafah, and will not rest until all hostages are home and Hamas is dismantled.”

Edan Alexander, a corporal in the Nahal Brigade, was among the soldiers kidnapped when Hamas launched its deadly surprise assault on October 7, killing over 1,200 Israelis and taking more than 250 hostages. He was believed to be the last living American citizen held by Hamas. His release was coordinated through the ICRC, which received him in Rafah before transferring him to Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed cautious appreciation, stating: “We are glad to welcome Edan back. Every Israeli life matters. Our mission is not complete until all hostages are returned, dead or alive.”

President Donald Trump, who has taken a direct and personal role in the negotiations through his special envoy Steve Witkoff, applauded the development, calling it “great news” in a tweet: “This is a meaningful step. We welcome Edan home and remain committed to securing the release of all those still held by Hamas.”

The Alexander family, which had advocated tirelessly since October, expressed relief and gratitude. “Edan is coming home. We thank the U.S. administration, the Israeli government, and the international parties that helped make this possible,” the family said in a statement. “We pray now for the release of the others.”

From the Arab world, Egyptian intelligence sources emphasized that the move was intended to signal Hamas’s willingness to engage diplomatically, despite Israel’s ongoing offensive in Rafah. “This is a gesture by Hamas to indicate flexibility,” said an unnamed Egyptian official quoted in Al-Ahram. “They are under severe pressure and are testing the response of the U.S. and Israel.”

However, not all in the region viewed the gesture as benign. A senior Israeli official, quoted in Israel Hayom, warned: “This is not a breakthrough. It’s a calculated propaganda move by Hamas. They want to divide the families of hostages, and win favor abroad while continuing to use civilians as shields.”

As of May 12, more than 120 hostages remain in Hamas captivity. Many are feared dead. The IDF continues its ground operation in Gaza, with troops advancing in the Rafah area. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reiterated, “Every military pressure we apply brings us closer to our goal: the dismantling of Hamas and the return of our hostages.”

Edan Alexander’s release is a welcome development—but it highlights the cruel calculus of a terror group that sees human lives as bargaining chips. For Israel, the war continues.