President Donald Trump confirmed that Edan Alexander, the last living hostage of the Americans, will be released by Hamas after nearly two years of confinement.
“We are pleased to see Edan Alexander, an American citizen who has been held hostage since October 2023, is back at his family’s home,” Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social on Sunday.
“I am grateful to all those involved in making this monumental news come true. This was a step taken in good faith by the United States to end this extremely cruel war and return all living hostages,” Trump continued.
“Hopefully this is the first of the last steps needed to end this cruel conflict. I will make that day a very advanced celebration!”
Hamas claims to release American hostage Edan Alexander
Alexander, a dual citizen of the United States and Israel, has been taken prisoner in Gaza since Hamas’ attacks on southern Israel on October 7th.
Donald Trump can be seen posing in New York City on October 7th, 2024 in a photo of Edan Alexander. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
The news comes after terrorist groups announced on Sunday that they were in contact with the recent US administration.
“The movement has shown a high level of positivity and is a Israeli soldier with double American citizenship; [Edan] “Alexander will be released as part of measures being taken to ceasefires, opening border intersections and invade aid and relief to the people of the Gaza Strip,” the statement read.
Vice President JD Vance also commented on the announcement, writing, “I pray Hamas will pass through and Edan will return home.”
“If so, it was another victory for Steve Witkoff, who continues to face with withered attacks to release hostages, negotiate complex diplomatic proposals, and serve his country (at great financial costs),” Vance wrote in X’s post.
It is unclear when Alexander will be released.
Hostages and Missing Family Forum Headquarters issued a statement after the announcement of Alexander’s release saying it was “accepting and supporting the Alexander family.”
The new Pulitzer Prize winners, lured to Hamas on October 7, invited Israelis to snare and questioned their “hostage” status.
Varda Ben Baruch holds a photo of her grandson of Israeli hostage Edan Alexander while walking near an Israeli soldier during a hostage family rally held on Gaza Strip near the border with Gaza Strip on April 20, 2025 (Amir Levi/Getty Images)
“If this release is confirmed, the Edan Alexander release must mark the beginning of a comprehensive agreement ensuring freedom for all remaining hostages,” the statement read.
“President Trump, you have given all hostage hope families. Complete your mission and bring them all home.”
Trump recently marked his 100th day inauguration, with five American families urging them to put pressure on both Israel and Hamas through economic and diplomatic means to still reflect hostages and ensure the release of all hostages.
Additionally, 50 members of Congress sent a letter to Trump on May 9th.
Hamas agrees to release Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage
“As it has been several months since the latest exchange, we need to maintain the hearts of the remaining five Americans and 54 hostages. The five American hostages include Edan Alexander, Omar Nutra, Itaichen, Gadi Hagai and Judy Weinstein Hagai. The group wrote a letter to President Trump.
“The strictest responsibility of our government is to keep Americans safe. With that responsibility in mind, we encourage you to use all diplomatic tools at your disposal and work with local allies and partners to secure the release of Edan and the ruins of American hostages who died as soon as possible.
Growing up in Tenafly, New Jersey, Alexander moved to Israel at the age of 18 and volunteered for military service with the IDF Golani Brigade. He lived with his grandparents in Tel Aviv and Kibbutz Hazeur. There he was part of a group of lonely soldiers.
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He was invited on the morning of October 7th. On Saturday he didn’t have to stay at the base. His mother had visited from abroad, and like many lonely soldiers, he had the option to go home over the weekend. However, he chose to stay, but did not wish his comrades were lacking in security duties.
There are still 59 hostages in Gaza, with at least 24 being rated alive. This includes being 21 years old after spending two birthdays as a prisoner of war in Hamas.
Caitlin McFall from Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, murder, national crime cases, illegal immigration and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com
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