New Jersey’s Edan Alexander, last living American hostage in Gaza, freed after 583 days

The Israeli military said Alexander, a Tenafly, New Jersey resident, is with the Red Cross and being brought to Israeli forces.

News 12 Staff

May 12, 2025, 4:28 PM

Updated 4 hr ago

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Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage taken during the Hamas massacre on October 7, has been freed, according to Hamas.
The Israeli military said Alexander, a Tenafly, New Jersey resident, is with the Red Cross and being brought to Israeli forces.
The 21-year-old Israeli-American IDF soldier was kidnapped from his base during the attack and held in Gaza for 583 days.
His mother is in Israel to be reunited with him. Back home in Tenafly, thousands of family members, friends and community members have gathered in solidarity.
News 12 Interview with Alexander's mother
A livestream with an Israeli news outlet has been playing in downtown Tenafly at Huyler Park throughout the morning so people could watch the moment together. Crowds reacted in real time as news of his release spread.
President Trump's envoy confirmed Hamas agreed to release Edan as a goodwill gesture.