Edan Alexander reunites with family at Tel Aviv's Ichilov Hospital
Netanyahu credits IDF military pressure, US diplomacy for Alexander's release • Trump heads to Middle East
'Our lives are worth less': Kibbutz Nir Oz pushes back against Israeli gov't
Kibbutz Nir Oz said that it's hard to ignore the message received by Israelis and the entire world that their lives are worthless following the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander in a statement on Monday evening.
"At the same time, it is hard to ignore the harsh message received today by the citizens of the State of Israel — and conveyed to the entire world: our lives are worth less. A hostage with an American passport is given priority, while the other 58 hostages are left behind — including 14 members of the Nir Oz community, and the anxiety for their fate is greater than ever."
"The Nir Oz community is deeply moved by the release of Edan Alexander after 584 days in captivity. We embrace his family, the community of Hatzor, and the Jewish community in the United States. Every hostage who returns is a great light in the darkness we are in," the statement read.
Watch: Netanyahu: 'Edan Alexander released because of IDF pressure, US diplomatic efforts'
Israeli officials expressed their joy at Alexander's return, but noted that returning the remaining 58 hostages from Hamas captivity was of the upmost priority.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir noted the military's excitement at the prospect of an IDF soldier coming home.
Go to the full article >>Yael Alexander has first phone call with her son, released hostage Edan Alexander
"Edan? Edan? Are you outside? My soul, are you outside?" Yael shouted to her son, released captive Edan Alexander after US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff handed her the phone.
"I am here, I am waiting for you. Everything is ok; you are strong, you are safe, and you are home. We will meet soon. I love you. I want to see you, hurry," she said to him.
Netanyahu: 'Edan Alexander released because of IDF pressure, US diplomatic efforts'
"Trump told me: ‘I am committed to Israel. I am committed to continuing to work with you in close cooperation' to achieve all our war objectives: to free all the hostages and to defeat Hamas," he said.
"These things go hand in hand. They are interconnected."
Go to the full article >>WATCH: Edan Alexander is Israel, to reunite with family soon
US President Donald Trump said that Alexander's parents are 'so happy' that their son is coming home.
Edan Alexander is in Israeli territory and will reunite with his mother and sister shortly.
Go to the full article >>WATCH: Jerusalem Post at Gaza border awaiting return of Edan Alexander
"We're here on the border near Gaza near the Re'im camp where Edan Alexander, the hostage, is expected to be transferred from Hamas control in Gaza, to the Red Cross, and then he is supposed to arrive near here and then [he will be] transferred to a hospital," Jerusalem Post Middle East reporter Seth J. Frantzman said Monday evening.
"He was an IDF soldier on October 7 and was kidnapped and has been held since then," Frantzman said.
"He is supposed to be returning home today."
"As you see, people have gathered and have prepared for this important and emotional welcoming."
Helicopter lands at Re'im base to carry American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander to Israel
Red Cross vehicles en route to Gaza to collect Edan Alexander
Red Cross vehicles are en route to Gaza to collect Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander for his release from Hamas captivity on Monday evening.
Go to the full article >>Alexander family is on a video call with Yael, Edan's mother, as she heads to Re'im base
Netanyahu, Witkoff, and Huckabee meet ahead of Edan Alexander release
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and the US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on Monday.
The three discussed the latest efforts to implement Witkoff's outline for the release of the Israeli-American hostage ahead of a widened expansion of military operations in Gaza.
After the three leaders met, Netanyahu called US President Donald Trump and thanked him for his assistance in securing Edan Alexander's release from Hamas captivity.
Go to the full article >>Israel at war: What you need to know
- Hamas launched a massive attack on October 7, with thousands of terrorists infiltrating from the Gaza border and taking some 240 hostages into Gaza.
- Over 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals were murdered, including over 350 at the Supernova music festival and hundreds of Israeli civilians across Gaza border communities.
- 58 hostages remain in Gaza.
- 49 hostages in total have been killed in captivity, IDF says.
- The IDF launched a ground invasion of Lebanon on September 30.
- The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire came into effect on November 27 at 4 a.m.
- Netanyahu confirmed the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire on January 17, 2025.