Tel Aviv, 13 May 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Israeli-US hostage Edan Alexander, who was held captive by the Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip for over 19 months, was released on Monday as part of efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement with Israel.

The 21-year-old was handed over to the Red Cross in the southern city of Khan Younis. Alexander, who was serving in the Israeli military when he was abducted, was the last known living captive with US nationality in Gaza.

Footage released by the Israeli army and government captured the emotional reunion of Alexander with his family at a military base in Israel.

Overcome with emotion, his mother, Yael, cried tears of joy as she embraced him. Alexander, also tearful, smiled as he hugged his father, Adi, and siblings, kissing his brother and sister on the forehead. The family had travelled from the United States to welcome him home.

He was then flown by helicopter to a hospital. A photo taken aboard the helicopter showed Alexander holding a sign that reads, "Thank you, President Trump."

The release is seen as a gesture toward the US, with Hamas hoping it will prompt US President Donald Trump to exert pressure on the Israeli government to reach a Gaza agreement that includes a permanent end to the war.

Alexander was taken by Palestinian Hamas militants from a military base near Gaza during their attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Alexander's release was arranged through negotiations between Hamas and the US, with no direct involvement from Israel.

Hundreds of people gathered in central Tel Aviv to celebrate the news, erupting in cheers as reports of the handover emerged. Similar scenes also reportedly played out in his US hometown of Tenafly, New Jersey, where crowds also marked his return.

Alexander's father told Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 that the family had not slept the night before. His son looked pale and thin, but was standing on his own, he noted.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a "very emotional moment." He credited the development to Israeli military pressure in Gaza and political efforts by Trump.

Unlike previous hostage releases - which were often marked by staged and degrading public displays - Alexander’s release was carried out without ceremony. The more discreet transfer in this case may have been intended to avoid provoking the US.

Israeli media, citing his family, reported that Alexander might travel to Qatar for a meeting with Trump, depending on his health. Trump is visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates this week. He is not set to visit Israel.

Hamas announced Alexander’s forthcoming release at the weekend, saying it followed talks with the US in recent days and formed part of its efforts to advance a broader agreement on Gaza.

Trump on Sunday called the announcement "monumental news" and a gesture of goodwill toward the US and mediators Qatar and Egypt.

Netanyahu’s office said the US informed Israel that Alexander’s release could pave the way for negotiations based on a previous proposal from US special envoy Steve Witkoff, which Israel has already accepted.

The plan envisions a two-stage release of all remaining hostages and the bodies of deceased captives, with a prolonged ceasefire between stages. But there are still hurdles, including Hamas' demand that any deal must include a full end to the war.

Netanyahu’s office announced that Israeli negotiators would travel to Qatar on Tuesday for talks.

Negotiations 'under fire' to continue

Despite the release, Israel signalled its intention to escalate military operations in Gaza.

Negotiations "will continue under fire during preparations for an intensification of the fighting," the Israeli leader said in a statement.

Israel stressed that it remains under no obligation to agree to a ceasefire or prisoner exchange.

Relatives of other hostages expressed frustration.

Families of captives without foreign citizenship accused Netanyahu’s government of indifference. "Hamas saw that President Trump had enough of Netanyahu’s indecisiveness and threw him a bone, leaving Israel out," said Shimon Or, whose nephew remains held in Gaza, told the ynet news outlet.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said no one should be left behind: "Edan’s return must mark the beginning of a comprehensive deal that brings everyone home."

Reports of torture in captivity

Alexander was reportedly tortured during his captivity, according to accounts from previously released hostages cited in Israeli media. He is said to have spent over 500 days in a tunnel, sometimes shackled, and to have suffered significant weight loss. Hamas released a video of him in November 2024 that showed him weeping uncontrollably.

Alexander’s parents immigrated to the United States shortly after his birth. He later moved to Israel alone to serve in the army.

58 hostages still in Gaza

According to Israel, 20 hostages are still believed to be alive in Gaza, with the status of three more unclear. The bodies of 35 deceased hostages are also still being held.

Hamas and other militant groups killed about 1,200 people in their October 7, 2023, assault and abducted over 250 hostages into Gaza, triggering the current war. According to the Hamas-run health authority, more than 52,800 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict.

Photo: EPA