Edan Alexander, an Israeli American from Tenafly, New Jersey, is the last remaining American hostage currently being held in Gaza. Born in Israel but raised in the U.S., Alexander made the decision to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) after graduating from high school, forgoing the traditional route of attending college. In October 2023, while serving in the IDF’s Golani Brigade, Alexander was captured by Hamas during attacks on Israel that resulted in numerous casualties and hostages being taken. His mother, Yael Alexander, learned of his capture from the IDF after days of searching and worrying following a brief phone call on the day he was taken hostage.
After more than a year in captivity, Hamas released a propaganda video featuring Alexander speaking in both Hebrew and Arabic. This was the first sign of life from him since being taken hostage. Lawmakers in Israel and the United States have been advocating for his release, but so far he has not been included in any deals or negotiations for the release of hostages. U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, who represents Alexander’s parents in New Jersey, has vowed to do everything in his power to reunite Edan with his family safely. Governor Phil Murphy has also expressed support for Alexander’s release and reunion with his loved ones.
In addition to Alexander, there are four other deceased American hostages whose bodies are still being held by Hamas. Over the course of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, six more hostages were released by Hamas in exchange for the freedom of over 600 Palestinian prisoners. This was the first phase of the ceasefire deal, with negotiations for a second phase expected to take place in the near future. The ongoing release of hostages and prisoners is part of the efforts to maintain the fragile peace between the two warring parties.
The release of the propaganda video featuring Alexander has drawn attention from both the American and Israeli governments, with condemnations of Hamas for their actions. In the video, Alexander is seen delivering messages about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President-elect Donald Trump, likely under duress as part of the propaganda efforts. His parents described the video as emotional and disturbing, but also a small glimmer of hope that their son is still alive. They continue to hope and advocate for his safe release from captivity.
The journey of Edan Alexander, from a typical American teenager in New Jersey to a captured IDF soldier in Gaza, highlights the complex and often tragic consequences of conflict in the Middle East. His story has drawn the attention and support of lawmakers, activists, and ordinary citizens who are all united in the hope for his safe return home. As negotiations for further phases of the ceasefire deal continue, the fate of Alexander and other hostages remains uncertain, but the commitment to securing their freedom and reunion with their families remains steadfast.
