Edan Alexander, the last living American held hostage by Hamas, was freed Monday, the terror group said — more than 19 months after he was taken captive.
Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American citizen from New Jersey, was handed over after Red Cross officials moved into Gaza, according to Hamas’ Armed Wing unit.
An Israeli official confirmed to The Post that the handover process was underway just after 6:30 p.m. local time (11:30 a.m. ET).
“According to the information communicated by the Red Cross, one hostage has been transferred to them, and is on his way to IDF and ISA forces in Gaza,” the Israeli military said in an X statement.
President Trump hailed the news, writing on Truth Social: “Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage, is being released [sic]. Congratulations to his wonderful parents, family, and friends!”
There was no immediate confirmation from Israel.
Hamas claimed Alexander’s release was a goodwill gesture for President Trump in a bid to try to revive talks on ending the war.
The terror group said the move followed “important talks” with the US “to which Hamas responded positively and with great flexibility.”
Trump hasn’t yet commented on Alexander’s release.
After the handover, Alexander was expected to be taken to an Israeli defense facility for medical checks in Re’im.
He is slated to be reunited with relatives there before being airlifted to Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Hospital to undergo additional treatment.
Television footage showed Alexander’s mother, Yael Alexander, arriving at the base in southern Israel in the lead up to the handover.
Meanwhile, scores of supporters had gathered in Alexander’s hometown of Tenafly as well as Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square anxiously waiting to catch a glimpse of him post-release.
Those in Tenafly were clutching yellow “welcome home” and “bring them home signs” as they watched a large video screen with a live feed from Israel.
With Post wires
