Trump announces Hamas has released long held American hostage: Edan Alexander ‘is coming home’

President Donald Trump announced Sunday night that Edan Alexander, an American-Israeli soldier, has been released after 19 months in captivity by Hamas. 

"I am happy to announce that Edan Alexander, an American citizen who has been held hostage since October 2023, is coming home to his family," Trump wrote on Truth Social. 
"I am grateful to all those involved in making this monumental news happen.

"This was a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators — Qatar and Egypt — to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones," he added. "Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict. I look very much forward to that day of celebration!"

Alexander has been in captivity since Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

His release comes as negotiations on a ceasefire and humanitarian aid continue.

"The release of Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, who holds dual US citizenship, will be part of the efforts being made to achieve a ceasefire, open the crossings, and allow aid and relief to reach our people in the Gaza Strip. The movement affirms its readiness to do so," Hamas leading negotiator Khalid Al Hayya said in a statement, according to the media outlet The National.