An American-Israeli soldier held hostage for more than 19 months in the Gaza Strip was released by Hamas on Monday.
Edan Alexander, who is believed to be the last living U.S. citizen held captive in Gaza, was handed over to Red Cross representatives in the enclave’s southern city of Khan Younis.
The 21-year-old was then transfered to to Israeli special forces inside the Gaza Strip, the country’s military said in a statement Monday. They subsequently returned him to Israeli territory where “he will undergo an initial medical assessment and meet with his family,” the statement added.
President Donald Trump congratulated Alexander’s “wonderful parents, family, and friends,” on the release in a post on Truth Social.
Alexander’s family earlier told NBC News that Trump had expressed the wish to meet with Alexander during his visit to Qatar later this week, but added that the meeting would be subject to Alexander’s wishes and medical condition.
Hamas confirmed the release earlier in the day. Shortly after Alexander was freed, the militant group said in a news release that the move was part of “the steps being taken to achieve a ceasefire, open the crossings, and allow aid” into the Gaza Strip. “We urge the Trump administration to continue its efforts to end this brutal war,” it added.
Israel on Monday paused its military operations, including airstrikes and drone artillery, in Gaza ahead of the release, according to NBC News’ crew on the ground.
But the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement Monday that it was committing only to a safe corridor to allow Alexander’s release, rather than any ceasefire or release of Palestinian prisoners or detainees.
“We are in critical days, during which Hamas has a proposal before it that would allow for the release of our hostages,” the statement said, adding, “Negotiations will continue under fire and alongside preparations to intensify the fighting.”
