Edan Alexander reunites with family in Israel

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum called his release " a ray of light and hope, but also a stark reminder that 58 men and women remain captive in Gaza."

Edan Alexander crosses into Israeli territory by Re'im Air Base on Monday May 12, 2025. (credit: Seth J. Frantzman)

Edan Alexander is in Israeli territory, and will reunite with his family after 584 days in Hamas captivity. 

US President Donald Trump told American reporters that Edan's parents, Adi and Yael, are overjoyed that their son is coming home.

"He’s coming home to his parents, which is really great news,” he said. "His parents, they're so happy, so so happy."

He added that he believes that 20 living hostages remain in Gaza, although the official number is 23.

Trump also noted that Alexander's homecoming marked the release of the last living American hostage in Gaza.

 Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander next to Hamas terrorists and a Red Cross employee, May 12, 2025. (credit: screenshot/Al Jazeera )
Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander next to Hamas terrorists and a Red Cross employee, May 12, 2025. (credit: screenshot/Al Jazeera )

Israeli gov't, Hostage Families Forum react to Alexander's release

The Prime Minister's Office announced Alexander's return to Israel in a Monday night statement. 

"The government of Israel embraces IDF Staff Sergeant Edan Alexander, who has been returned from Hamas captivity," the statement reads. 

The PMO said that it would assist him "in his reintegration and support him and his family."

"The government of Israel is committed to the return of all hostages and missing persons — both the living and the fallen," the statement read. "We will continue to act tirelessly until they are all brought home to Israel."

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum noted that Alexander's release was a stark reminder of the remaining hostages in Gaza. 

"After 584 agonizing days in captivity, Edan has returned home—to his family who worked tirelessly for his release, to his friends, and to an entire nation that fought and prayed for his return," the release read. "Edan's release is a ray of light and hope, but also a stark reminder that 58 men and women remain captive in Gaza. We must not leave a single hostage behind.

"Without bringing everyone home, there can be no true victory, no healing, and no rebuilding as a nation. The return of all hostages is our generation's most urgent and critical mission. We will bring them back. We will rise again."

IDF to resume fighting in Gaza

The IDF is set to resume fighting in Gaza once Alexander is in Israeli territory, an Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post on Monday. 

The Coordinator for Hostages and Missing Persons, Brig. Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch, and US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, are at the reception center in Re’im.

Israeli media reported that Alexander could stand on his feet upon his release, but needed assistance to walk from Red Cross medics. However, his grandfather denied these reports, saying he had drunk Coca-Cola and he is on his way to his parents. 

Amichai Stein contributed to this report.