The Hamas terror organization released a psychological warfare video on Saturday, providing a sign of life from hostage Edan Alexander. Edan (20) immigrated to Israel from New Jersey, and was enlisted in the IDF. He was abducted on October 7, 2023, by Hamas terrorists and taken into the Gaza Strip, where he has now been held for 556* days. His family confirmed this evening that they approved the video’s publication and distribution.
In the video, Edan states the number of days he has been in captivity. He appeals, as an American citizen, to former U.S. President Donald Trump to act for his release.
“I truly want to believe I’ll return home safely”
“You’ve left us here, and I’ve already reached the point of breaking. I’m physically and mentally broken,” said Alexander, in what is to be in all probability statements dictated by Hamas. “Tell me – why? Why am I not home? With my friends, with my family. Why am I here, filming my second video?”
“I truly want to believe I’ll return home safely. To celebrate with you and enjoy life with you,” he continued.
A powerful and emotional sign of life
Following the release of the video, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement: “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke this evening with the family of Edan Alexander, who is being held hostage in Gaza by the Hamas terror organization, in response to the release of the cruel psychological warfare video, which is a powerful and emotional sign of life from Edan. The Prime Minister told the family he shares deeply in the pain of Edan, the other hostages, and their families, and promised that Israel is acting with determination and in every possible way to bring them home—together with all those still held by the enemy.”
Working tirelessly to bring the hostages home
Defense Minister Israel Katz also spoke with the family of the abducted soldier. In a statement, the Defense Minister wrote: “The cruel video released is part of psychological warfare, but for us and for his family it is a significant and emotional sign of life. The hostages and their families are enduring terrible suffering. I can assure you that within the defense establishment we are working tirelessly to bring all the hostages home. This is the most important objective of the war before us right now.”
*An earlier version of this article misstated the number of days IDF soldier Edan Alexander was held captive by Hamas. He was in captivity for 556 days, not 421 days as previously reported. We regret the error.
