Hamas released Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander after 583 days in captivity- describing the move as a “goodwill gesture”. The 21-year-old was abducted from his military base near the Gaza border during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. He is the last known living American hostage freed by Hamas.

The release comes shortly before a scheduled visit to the Middle East by US President Donald Trump, and follows what Hamas described as “contacts with the US administration over the past few days.”

Upon his release, Edan Alexander was transferred to the International Committee of the Red Cross and subsequently to Israeli forces. He was then taken to a hospital in Tel Aviv for medical assessment and a tearful reunion with his family, who had been tirelessly advocating for his freedom.

In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office acknowledged the release and affirmed the government’s commitment to securing the return of all remaining hostages. His office also released a video of his release which the Israeli PM called a “very emotional moment.”

The release was “achieved thanks to our military pressure and the diplomatic pressure applied by President Trump,” referring to it as “a winning combination”, Netanyahu’s office said.

Donald Trump hailed Edan Alexander’s release as “great news” and a “step taken in good faith” as he expressed hope that this would be the first of many steps towards ending the conflict and returning all hostages.

On his social media platform Truth Social, Donald Trump wrote. “Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage, is being released. Congratulations to his wonderful parents, family, and friends!”

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an advocacy group for the hostages, welcomed Edan Alexander’s return as “a ray of light and hope.”

Edan Alexander’s family, in their first public statement since his release, expressed immense gratitude and called on the Israeli government and international mediators to intensify efforts to bring all remaining hostages home. “Please don’t stop,” his family said, adding, “We hope our son’s release begins negotiations for all 58 remaining hostages, ending this nightmare for them and their families.”