President Donald Trump managed another major foreign policy win on Monday as he prepares for his next overseas trip. Israeli-American Edan Alexander, who had been held hostage in Gaza for 19 months, was released by Hamas on Monday in a goodwill gesture timed with President Trump’s arrival in the Middle East. The release of the 21-year-old sparked renewed optimism for a potential ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas during Trump’s visit to the region.
“We hope that we’re going to have other hostages released, too,” Trump said in the White House shortly before departing for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, per the Washington Times. Trump, who is visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, is not scheduled to make a stop in Israel.
Israeli officials report that 58 hostages remain in captivity, with approximately 23 believed to still be alive. Many of the 250 hostages taken by Hamas-led militants during the October 7, 2023, attack were released through previous ceasefire agreements, the Times reported.
Alexander was handed over to the Red Cross and later transferred to Israeli forces. He was 19 years old when he was abducted from an Israeli military base during Hamas’ coordinated terror assault, which killed at least 1,200 people and triggered the ongoing war. In Tel Aviv, Alexander’s extended family gathered wearing shirts bearing his name, erupting into cheers as the military confirmed his release. His grandmother, Varda Ben Baruch, smiled proudly. In Hostage Square, hundreds of onlookers joined in celebration, chanting his name.
In his hometown of Tenafly, New Jersey, hundreds of supporters gathered in the streets, holding signs featuring his image and listening to speakers playing Israeli music. As they watched the news of his release on a large screen, the crowd embraced and waved Israeli flags. Since his abduction, supporters have gathered every Friday to march for the release of the hostages.