US EditionEdan Alexander's release offers ‘window of opportunity’ for wider hostage deal amid Trump Middle East visit
- Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier, was freed from nearly 600 days of Hamas captivity and returned to Israel on Monday, May 12, 2025.
- His release followed protracted negotiations involving Qatari officials amid ongoing US-Saudi discussions to end the Gaza conflict coordinated with President Trump's upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia.
- After arriving, Alexander was reunited with his family at the Israeli military base near Re'im, received medical evaluation at Tel Aviv's Sourasky Hospital, and spoke by phone with Trump in a call arranged by Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff.
- Witkoff praised Alexander's 'courage and resilience' and stated, 'Thank God for President Trump,' emphasizing this was a leadership-driven 'team effort' involving multiple US officials focused on bringing all hostages home.
- Alexander's release is viewed as a positive step that offers a window for broader hostage negotiations, while US officials maintain commitment to securing all hostages and recovering American remains amid ongoing regional diplomacy.
27 Articles
27 Articles
Trump turns on Netanyahu after securing US hostage release
As the military helicopter carrying Edan Alexander – the last remaining American hostage held by Hamas – landed on top of the Tel Aviv hospital, the crowd gathered below erupted in cheers of pent-up relief. Edan, now 21-years-old – but just 19 when he was captured, was finally free following 594 days in captivity. After spending almost two years underground the American-Israel looked pale and traumatized. But remarkably he walked off the helicop…
Trump envoys see better chance for hostage release in Gaza
TEL AVIV - U.S. officials told families of hostages still held in Gaza they see a better chance of a deal for their release after Washington reached an accord with militant group Hamas for an American hostage's freedom that largely bypassed the Israeli government. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Mediator: It is necessary for peace in Gaza
A new window of hope has opened in the efforts to end the war in Gaza. The release of hostage Edan Alexander changes the playing field – now it is up to political will, according to Majed al-Ansari, spokesman for the mediating Qatar. – Right now the big problem is not the details of the agreement, he says on a visit to Stockholm.
Edan Alexander's release offers ‘window of opportunity’ for wider hostage deal amid Trump Middle East visit
Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and hostage Envoy Adam Boehler look to secure remaining hostage releases following Hamas return of Edan Alexander.
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