The family of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander approved the publication of Hamas’s propaganda video of him on Sunday, which was released before Passover.
In the video, Alexander blames the Israeli government and the American administration for “deserting” him in Gaza, saying, “I am collapsing physically and mentally.”
“I am collapsing because of this disgusting world and disgusting Israeli government,” Alexander says.
“Every day, I see that he – [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu – controls the country like a dictator,” he continues. “I am collapsing physically and mentally.
“I heard that three weeks ago, Hamas was prepared to release me, but you refused and abandoned me here!” he exclaimed
“Tell me why. Why am I not at home? Why am I filming my second video? Why?” Alexander asked.
“Everyone is lying to me: My people, the Israeli government, the American government, the army, and everyone else,” he said.
“I want to believe I will return home to celebrate the holidays with you.”
Why have you fallen victim to Netanyahu's lies?
Edan then turns and directly addresses US President Donald Trump. “President Trump, I believed in you. I believed you would free me alive. Why have you fallen victim to Netanyahu’s lies?
“Every day I hear my mother’s voice, my father’s voice, my little brother’s voice. Every day, I see the citizens of Israel demonstrating, they are doing everything in their power [to help us] and the world doesn’t listen to them,” he said.
“I came to Israel to serve in the Golani Brigade. I am a lone soldier. On October 7, I was left alone at the post against an entire army!” Alexander said.
“I want to believe this video will not be the last time you see me alive. I want to return to the people of Israel safely. Keep demonstrating and doing everything you can.”
Netanyahu spoke with Edan’s parents Yael and Adi on Sunday evening following the release of Hamas’s propaganda video.
He told the family that he sympathizes with their pain and informed them that a tremendous effort is currently underway to return Edan and all the hostages home.
Yael and Adi issued the following statement in response to Hamas’s video release last night: “Our son Edan’s love for Israel led him to leave his comfortable life in New Jersey and join the IDF. On October 7, he stood his ground alone at his military post, trying to protect nearby communities from Hamas terrorists. Now he remains alone in tunnels, in enemy hands. Each moment grows more unbearable. You can see it in his face – his fear, his desperation.”
“For 555 days – over a year and a half – through two Passovers, two Festivals of Freedom, our son remains captive. President Trump, our hope and trust rest with you now. We implore you to use your leadership and negotiation skills to secure a deal that will bring all 59 hostages back to their families – including our son, Edan, and the other American citizens. Their fate depends on your action.“
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir spoke with Edan's family
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir spoke with Edan’s parents, the military said in a statement Sunday evening.
Zamir stated that the IDF takes every step with the hostages in mind.
"We are doing everything possible to return them. I see this as my and the IDF's highest mission. I am the commander of the soldiers, and this is in front of my eyes in every decision,” Zamir said.