New Jersey native Edan Alexander, held hostage by Hamas since October 2023 and considered the last living American hostage, is being returned home to his family, a Hamas negotiator said today; President Donald Trump confirmed the news on social media.
“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,” Trump said on Truth Social. “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, 21, volunteered with the Israel Defense Forces after his graduation from Tenafly High School in 2022. He was serving near the Gaza border during the October attack.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly) has been championing Alexander’s return.
“I will not rest until Edan comes home to Tenafly, New Jersey— and all of the hostages are back with their loved ones,” Gottheimer said this evening. “The Alexanders’ strength has been a constant inspiration to us all.”