WATCH: Hostage Edan Alexander finally reunites with his family after 19 months in hell

On May 12, 2025, Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, 21, was joyously reunited with his family at the Re’im military base in southern Israel, ending 584 days of anguish since his capture by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The emotional reunion followed Alexander’s release from Gaza, where he was handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis and transferred to IDF forces at the Kissufim crossing.

Kidnapped while serving in an elite IDF infantry unit near the Gaza border, Alexander endured 19 months of captivity. His mother, Yael, who arrived from New Jersey, spoke to him in a tearful first call, saying, “You are strong, you are protected, you are home. We’ll meet soon. I love you.” At the base, Alexander received initial medical assessments before embracing his family, who will accompany him to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv for further care. The IDF, emphasizing privacy, noted, “We are emotional and grateful for the return of Edan, an IDF soldier, home.”

The release, facilitated by U.S. negotiations, was hailed as a “ray of light” by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, though 58 hostages remain in Gaza. Israel’s military pressure and diplomatic efforts continue to secure their freedom.