Hamas releases final living American hostage to Red Cross as crowds celebrate in Tel Aviv

has released the last living American hostage held in into the care of the Red Cross, following days of negotiations with US officials over a proposed ceasefire and expanded humanitarian access into the war-ravaged region.

A crowd gathered in Hostage Square, Tel Aviv, to watch a live television stream following Edan Alexander's freeing. People were seen waving flags, holding signs calling for him to be brought home as they celebrated. The 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier was captured near the Gaza border during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks. He had been at the centre of recent diplomatic efforts by administration.

The US president celebrated the release, saying, “Congratulations to his wonderful parents, family, and friends." On Sunday, Trump had called the release “a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators – 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.”

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Television footage showed Alexander’s mother, Yael Alexander, arriving at the Reim military base in southern Israel, where he was expected to be taken first. Wearing shirts emblazoned with his name, his extended family had gathered in Tel Aviv to watch the release. They cheered and chanted his name when the military said he was free. His grandmother, Varda Ben Baruch, smiled.
In Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, hundreds of people broke out into cheers.

In a statement, Hamas said: "The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades released the captured soldier, Idan Alexander, a US citizen, a short while ago, following contacts with the US administration. This comes as part of the efforts being made by mediators to achieve a ceasefire, open the crossings, and allow aid and relief to reach our people in the Gaza Strip. This step comes after important contacts in which Hamas demonstrated positivity and high flexibility.

The group added: "We affirm that serious and responsible negotiations achieve results in the release of prisoners. However, continuing the aggression prolongs their suffering and may kill them. We affirm the movement's readiness to immediately begin negotiations to reach a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire agreement, including the withdrawal of the occupation army, the end of the siege, a prisoner exchange, and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. We urge the Trump administration to continue its efforts to end this brutal war waged by the war criminal Netanyahu against children, women, and defenceless civilians in the Gaza Strip."

Israel says 58 people remain in captivity, with about 23 of them said to be alive. Many of the 250 captives taken by Hamas-led fighters in the 2023 attack were freed in ceasefire deals.

Later today, Trump departs Washington for the Middle East in an effort to accelerate a political breakthrough to end the conflict in Gaza. His special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to join him in Tel Aviv for high-level meetings aimed at capitalising on Alexander's release and pushing for a broader deal.

Hamas, which still holds more than 20 hostages and more than 30 bodies, said it had been in contact with US officials in recent days. Senior Hamas figure Khalil al-Hayya confirmed the group’s move, saying Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey played key roles in brokering the agreement.

“The movement affirms its readiness to immediately start intensive negotiations and make serious efforts to reach a final agreement to end the war, exchange prisoners in an agreed-upon manner,” al-Hayya said.

Alexander, who grew up in New Jersey, joined the Defense Forces in 2022 after graduating high school. His family, speaking through the Families and Missing Families Forum, said they remain in close contact with US officials.

As part of the broader negotiation, the Trump administration is pushing for a temporary pause in hostilities to aid additional hostage releases and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Adam Boehler, the president’s hostage envoy, said: “It’s a positive step forward, and we would also ask that Hamas release the bodies of four other Americans that were taken.” Trump and Witkoff have made repeated public appeals on Alexander’s behalf, which his family says have kept hope alive.

“Every time they say Edan’s name, it’s like they didn’t forget. They didn’t forget he’s American, and they’re working on it,” said Yael Alexander, Edan’s mother, in February.

Trump’s trip includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Israel is not currently on the schedule, though officials say that could change. In the meantime, Witkoff has added former British Prime Minister to his advisory team and is promoting a proposal to deliver aid to Gaza through a newly formed foundation, bypassing the United Nations.

Tensions between Washington and Jerusalem have escalated in recent weeks. Trump, who reinstated US weapons transfers to Israel shortly after taking office for a second term in January, has expressed growing frustration with Prime Minister ’s uncompromising military approach.

The two leaders, once closely aligned, have diverged over key strategic issues, including Iran. Trump now supports a diplomatic agreement to constrain Tehran’s nuclear program, while Israel continues to press for a military option. According to Israel’s Channel 12, Witkoff recently told families of Gaza hostages that Israel appeared unwilling to end the conflict.

“Israel is prolonging the war, even though we do not see where further progress can be made,” he reportedly said. Israel, which imposed an aid blockade in March, is preparing to expand its military operations in Gaza later this month. Hamas has indicated it is prepared to release all remaining hostages and agree to a permanent ceasefire if Israel fully withdraws from the territory.