Edan Alexander, the 21-year-old American-Israeli hostage, has been released by Hamas, ending his 18-month captivity in Gaza. Alexander’s release comes after several days of indirect talks between Hamas and the US, with Qatar and Egypt acting as mediators.

According to reports, Hamas handed Alexander over to the Red Cross on Monday, and he was transferred to Israeli soil shortly after. He is currently undergoing medical assessment at an Israeli military base, where he will reunite with his family.

Alexander’s mother, Yael, described the news of her son’s release as “the greatest gift imaginable” on Mother’s Day and thanked US President Donald Trump, his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and the US administration for their tireless efforts in securing her son’s release.

“I’m a mom, I just want to hold him again, and to say ‘Edan, you’re safe, you’re home,'” Yael Alexander said in an interview with CNN in March, highlighting the emotional toll of her son’s captivity.

Trump hailed Alexander’s release as “monumental news,” stating it was a “step taken in good faith toward 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.”

Alexander’s release comes just a day before Trump’s scheduled Middle East tour, which will take him to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Despite this breakthrough, 58 hostages remain captive in Gaza, with at least 20 believed to be alive. The Israeli government has reiterated its commitment to securing the release of all hostages and missing persons.

“We will continue operating tirelessly until the return of everyone home, to Israel,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.

The development has sparked hope for further negotiations, but the path ahead remains uncertain, with Israel maintaining that negotiations will take place under fire.