Following direct negotiations between Washington and Hamas, the terror group has confirmed that it will release American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander today.
The announcement, which reportedly took Jerusalem by surprise, will see Alexander returned to his family 583 days after he was abducted while serving in the IDF on October 7, 2023.
He will not be exchanged for any Palestinian prisoners and his freedom is not conditional on any ceasefire agreement, with Hamas suggesting it is a gesture of goodwill.
Alexander, 21, grew up in New Jersey before signing up for Garin Tzabar – the programme helping non-Israelis to join the IDF – in 2022.
He moved to Israel following his high school graduation and took up a commission in an infantry division, eventually being posted to the area around the Gaza border in September 2023 – just a month before the attacks.
Still a teenager at the time, he was abducted by Hamas terrorists alongside fellow infantryman Omer Neutra.
In December 2024, 421 days after his capture, his family received a proof of life video from Hamas revealing that he had survived the massacred.
However, concern mounted for his wellbeing after it was announced at the same time that Neuta had been killed as the pair were taken. His family’s fears were deepened in April this, when Hamas claimed it had lost contact with the unit that was holding him.
Fortunately, he has now been confirmed to be alive despite years of mistreatment at the hands of his captors.
Freed hostages who had previously been held with Alexander reported that he had been kept in underground tunnels almost constantly, deprived of sunlight and food. He was also apparently subjected to a series of brutal interrogations while tied up.
Speaking in February as she marked 500 days of his captivity, Alexander’s mother Yael said: “For 500 days and nights I've missed my beloved firstborn son so much. I have tears in my eyes now when I hear that number. It's inhuman. I'm still stuck on October 7.
"Our Edan was always super social, super family-oriented. A talented and beloved child, always smiling, someone who really loved life. We were always very, very close.
"Edan and I loved to travel together for a day of fun in New York. We had deep, moving conversations. He's the funniest person in the world. Hilarious. He devoured life. How much I love this child.”
Alexander is expected to be free this afternoon by 6.30pm local time (4.30pm GMT). His parents have travelled to Israel alongside US officials to welcome him home. The IDF confirmed that it is on standby to receive him and transfer him to a local hospital before he is reunited with his family.
