American-Israeli Hostage Edan Alexander Released by Hamas After More Than 580 Days in Captivity

Hamas released its last living American hostage on Monday, May 12, after he spent more than 580 days in captivity inside the Gaza Strip. 

Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, was received by a specialized IDF unit and was brought to an initial reception facility in Re’im, where he was scheduled to undergo preliminary medical and psychological evaluation by IDF Medical Corps personnel, an Israeli official told American media. 

“This is a very emotional moment -- Edan Alexander has returned home. We embrace him, and we embrace his family,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. “This was achieved thanks to our military pressure and the diplomatic pressure applied by President Trump. That combination is a winning formula.” 

President Donald Trump, following Alexander's release, wrote on Truth Social “Congratulations to his wonderful parents, family, and friends! “ Meanwhile, two days after Alexander's release, his aunt Sharon Ben-Baruch Senior revealed details about his 584-day captivity in Gaza. 

She described the inhumane conditions Alexander endured. “He drank murky water and wasn’t exposed to daylight,” she said. In the early stages of his captivity, Alexander was subjected to severe abuse. He was kept with a bag over his head, beaten, starved and endured both physical and psychological torture. 

According to her, Alexander said his conditions slightly improved after Donald Trump was elected U.S. president. “Once Trump came in, they moved him to a room in the tunnels and things got a little better. From the moment people started talking about him, they gave him more food so he could gain weight,” she said. (FN/VFI News)

“Our Heavenly Father, we thank You immensely for the release of Edan Alexander. We rejoice along with his family and pray that You heal his body, mind and heart completely, and help him forget all the horrors he has endured. We also pray in Yeshua's Name that You bring all the remaining hostages home so that they can reunite with their loving families and be delivered by Your power. Please, protect and heal all the hostages and guard their hearts and minds at all times.”