LONDON — American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, who had been held captive by Hamas in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, was launched on Monday after profitable negotiations between the U.S. and the terrorist group.
The handover shouldn’t be but full.
Alexander’s mom, Yael, has arrived at Re’im navy base in Israel close to the Gaza border to see her son earlier than he is taken to a hospital in Tel Aviv. Retired Brig. Gen. Gal Hirsch, the Israeli coordinator for prisoners of warfare and lacking individuals, and U.S. Center East envoy Steve Witkoff are additionally heading to the navy base, an Israeli official advised ABC Information.
Israeli safety officers advised ABC Information there can be a short lived pause in fight, airstrikes and aerial reconnaissance within the space of Gaza the place 21-year-old Alexander was to be launched. The pause will final till Alexander crosses into Israeli territory, officers stated, which is anticipated to take lower than half-hour.
Supporters put together for the discharge of Edan Alexander, an American-Israeli soldier held hostage in Gaza, on Might 12, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Amir Levy/Getty Photos
Alexander, a New Jersey native, moved to Israel on the age of 18. He was serving within the Israel Protection Forces when captured from his base near the Gaza frontier throughout Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault. He was 19 when kidnapped and has had two birthdays whereas in captivity.
Alexander was the final dwelling American citizen nonetheless believed to be held hostage by Hamas. The fear group is believed to even be holding the our bodies of 4 useless American hostages, in keeping with U.S. officers.
Individuals collect to look at a reside broadcast of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander to be launched from Hamas captivity in Gaza, at a plaza referred to as the hostages sq. in Tel Aviv, Might 12, 2025.
Oded Balilty/AP
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday met with Witkoff and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, per a readout from his workplace. Netanyahu additionally spoke with President Donald Trump, the assertion stated, with the Israeli chief thanking Trump for his help in securing Alexander’s launch.
“The prime minister mentioned the last-ditch effort to implement the define for the discharge of the hostages introduced by Witkoff, earlier than the escalation of the preventing,” the assertion stated. “To this finish, the prime minister instructed {that a} negotiating delegation be despatched to Doha tomorrow.”
“The prime minister clarified that the negotiations will solely happen below fireplace,” it added.
Israelis collect at Hostages Sq. in Tel Aviv on Might 12, 2025 in anticipation of the discharge of Israeli-US captive Edan Alexander.
Menahem Kahana/AFP by way of Getty Photos
Hamas introduced its intention to free Alexander on Sunday, describing the choice as a “a part of the steps being taken to realize a ceasefire.”
The assertion stated Hamas has been in touch with American officers “over the previous few days” as a part of ceasefire negotiations.
Trump posted to Fact Social saying Alexander’s launch “is the primary of these closing steps essential to finish this brutal battle.”
Varda Ben Baruch, grandmother of hostage Edan Alexander grandmother, gestures at a portrait of Edan at Kibbutz Nir Oz, in southern Israel, on April 20, 2025.
Amir Cohen/Reuters
A U.S. official conversant in the deal to launch Alexander advised ABC Information that the settlement got here collectively in latest days by way of direct talks between the U.S. and Hamas.
Alexander’s launch is being seen as a goodwill gesture towards the Trump administration and a possible opening to jumpstart talks surrounding the broader battle, U.S. officers advised ABC Information.
Nonetheless, officers stated the U.S. didn’t safe all of the concessions it was searching for. Negotiators had additionally been pushing Hamas for the discharge of the stays of the 4 useless American hostages nonetheless held in Gaza, officers stated.
Alexander’s household stated in an announcement launched by way of the Hostage Households Discussion board that it was knowledgeable of Hamas’ announcement and “is in steady contact with the U.S. authorities relating to the potential of Edan’s anticipated launch within the coming days.”
A girl cries as she gathers with others to look at a reside broadcast of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander to be launched from Hamas captivity in Gaza, at a plaza referred to as the hostages sq. in Tel Aviv, Might 12, 2025.
Oded Balilty/AP
They added that “it’s forbidden to go away any hostage behind” and stated that “Israel is dedicated to make sure the return of all 58 remaining hostages at once.”
Alexander was one of many 253 hostages taken throughout Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault, wherein some 1,200 folks had been additionally killed, in keeping with Israel.
Israel’s subsequent offensive in Gaza had killed 52,829 folks and wounded 119,554 extra as of Sunday, in keeping with figures launched by the Hamas-run Ministry of Well being within the strip.
This can be a creating story. Please examine again for updates.
ABC Information’ Shannon Ok. Kingston contributed to this report.
