Hamas released According to officials, President Trump left Washington for a trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates on Monday, with Edan Alexander believed to be the last living American citizen held hostage in Gaza. Alexander was transferred to the Red Cross, and then to the Israel Defense Forces.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel’s government “will assist in his absorption and will accompany him and his family.” Netanyahu’s office released a video of Alexander being transferred to IDF custody.
“The Israeli government is committed to the return of all the kidnapped and missing — both living and dead,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.
Mr. Trump was overjoyed at Alexander’s release. “Congratulations to his wonderful parents, family, and friends!” he said on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Hamas, a terrorist organization designated by the United States and Israel, announced Sunday evening that it would release Alexander unconditionally in the hopes of achieving a long-term ceasefire in Gaza and resuming the flow of critical humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian territories.
The International Committee of the Red Cross announced on Monday, without identifying Alexander, that it had “successfully facilitated the safe transfer of a hostage from Gaza to Israeli authorities.”
Alexander, 21, grew up in New Jersey before relocating to Israel, where he was serving in the Israeli military on October 7, 2023, when he was kidnapped during the Hamas-planned attack that sparked the Gaza conflict.
In February, CBS News spoke with Alexander’s mother, Yael, who said she was doing everything she could to fight for her son’s release while also caring for her other children.
“It’s not easy, but you know what, I’m taking strength from my kids to be ok and wake up every morning and put clothes on…” to smile for them, hug them, tell them how much I love them, and give them hope that Edan will be fine.”
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed Alexander’s release and announced that they would hold a march at the US embassy in Israel on Monday to demand “a breakthrough and comprehensive agreement” to bring the remaining hostages home.
Mr. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, confirmed to CBS News that he’d be traveling to the region ahead of Alexander’s release, and local media reported that he arrived earlier on Monday.
Hamas stated on Sunday that the decision to release Alexander came after “contacts with the US administration over the past few days,” and that the group was prepared to “immediately begin intensive negotiations to exert serious efforts to reach a final agreement to end the war, establish a mutually agreed-upon prisoner exchange, and have the Gaza Strip administered by an independent professional body.” This would ensure long-term peace and stability, as well as reconstruction and relief from the blockade.”
In a post on Truth Social, Mr. Trump described the move as “a step taken in good faith toward 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 families.” Hopefully, this is the first of many final steps needed to put an end to this brutal conflict.”
According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, “Israel did not commit to any ceasefire or the release of terrorists, but only to a safe corridor that would allow Idan’s release.” The Israeli government spells Alexander’s first name this way.
“We are in critical days when Hamas is faced with a deal that will allow for the release of our hostages,” the prime minister’s office stated. “Negotiations will continue under fire and while preparations are being made to intensify the fighting.”
Israel has been preventing food and medical aid from entering Gaza for nearly three months, despite aid groups reporting that malnutrition is on the rise throughout the enclave. According to a report published Monday by food security experts, Gaza’s population is at risk of famine.
“The entire population is facing high levels of acute food insecurity, with half a million people (one in every five) facing starvation,” the group Integrated Food Security Phase Classification stated in a report.
“With the announced expansion of military operations throughout the Gaza Strip, the persistent inability of humanitarian agencies to access populations in dire need, an anticipated escalation in hostilities, and the continued mass displacement of people, the risk of Famine in the Gaza Strip is not just possible — It is increasingly likely.”
Also on Monday, Israeli strikes were reported on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza’s Jabaliya neighborhood, killing 16 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run ministry of health.