Hamas released Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage it held in Gaza, on Monday evening, following a deal brokered between the group and the United States that largely bypassed the Israeli government.
Mr. Alexander’s release occurred just before President Trump’s visit to the Middle East and was characterized by Hamas officials as an effort to gain U.S. support for a broader agreement to end the ongoing conflict.
At 21 years old, Mr. Alexander was among approximately 250 individuals taken to Gaza during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. A dual Israeli-American national serving in the Israeli Army, he was captured from a military post that morning. He had moved to Israel from New Jersey after high school to enlist in the military.
Following his release, Israeli authorities shared images and video of Mr. Alexander, who appeared pale but smiling as he joyfully reunited with his family. Reports from Israeli media indicated he had been held in a cage within a Hamas underground tunnel, bound and with limited access to food.
In contrast to most other hostages, Mr. Alexander's release was not accompanied by a formally announced cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, underscoring the lack of progress in securing a broader truce. Hamas continues to hold at least 20 living hostages and approximately 40 deceased individuals, including several Americans, but is hesitant to release more without negotiations aimed at ending the war. Israel demands the right to continue military operations post-truce, leading to a stalemate in discussions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Mr. Alexander’s release demonstrated the advantages of increasing military pressure on Hamas. In March, he had instructed the Israeli military to terminate a previous cease-fire, asserting that such actions would compel Hamas to release more hostages and lead to its military defeat.
However, critics of Mr. Netanyahu’s strategy argue that Mr. Alexander’s release reflects the shortcomings of this approach, as it was primarily influenced by U.S. pressure rather than Israeli military actions. A growing number of Israelis advocate for negotiating a deal to free all hostages, even if it necessitates compromises from Netanyahu, including the conclusion of the conflict and the survival of Hamas. On Monday, Netanyahu announced plans to send a delegation to participate in negotiations for a temporary cease-fire, which disappointed those calling for a permanent truce to secure the release of all hostages.
Relatives of hostages still in Gaza expressed mixed emotions regarding Mr. Alexander’s release. Many gathered in Tel Aviv on Monday to demand a broader agreement. Yehuda Cohen, whose son Nimrod remains captive, expressed happiness for Mr. Alexander but frustration over the circumstances of his release, attributing it to his American citizenship.
Cohen also noted optimism regarding President Trump’s willingness to negotiate independently of Netanyahu, suggesting that Trump’s impatience might lead to a renewed effort to secure the release of all hostages. Trump indicated on social media that Mr. Alexander’s release could represent a significant step toward ending the conflict.
U.S. officials had previously engaged in discussions with Hamas leaders this year, although contact was suspended due to Israeli objections. It remains unclear if direct negotiations resumed to facilitate Mr. Alexander’s release.
As the conflict continues, aid agencies have raised alarms about a potential famine in Gaza. A report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a United Nations-backed initiative monitoring malnutrition, warned that Israel could trigger widespread starvation if it proceeds with planned military actions. The report indicated that a majority of the population in the Gaza Strip could soon lack access to essential food, water, shelter, and medicine.
Since March, Israel has imposed a blockade on all food and fuel supplies to Gaza, asserting it aims to prevent resources from benefiting Hamas. The civilian population has suffered the consequences of these restrictions, with the fuel embargo severely hindering food distribution and leading to dwindling supplies. In late April, the World Food Program reported a complete depletion of its food stocks in the territory, while the U.N. agency assisting Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, announced it had run out of flour.