IDF soldier Edan Alexander, held by Hamas since October 2023, was released this evening after more than 18 months in captivity. A secure humanitarian corridor was established to ensure his safe transfer from Gaza to Israeli custody via the International Red Cross.
Watch the moment he reunites with his family:
יעל בכתה, האח הקטן צעק: “איך גדלת!” – כך נראה השחרור של עידן (צילום: רועי אברהם, לע”מ) pic.twitter.com/RdpmR20vHM
— דסק רגע (@deskrega) May 13, 2025
Live Updates
8:18 PM – Statement from the Chief of Staff Statement at the Hostage and MIA Headquarters:
Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir: “We are moved and grateful to welcome Edan, an IDF soldier, home. At the same time, we have not forgotten our duty to bring back the 58 hostages still held by Hamas. They remain constantly in our sights. We will continue to act with every tool at our disposal to bring them home.”
8:08 PM – Immediately after Alexander’s return: Israeli Air Force resumes strikes in Gaza
8:02 PM – Edan Alexander arrives at the initial reception point in Israel
8:00 PM – Israel Welcomes Edan Alexander Home
Prime Minister Netanyahu: “This is a very emotional moment—Edan Alexander is home. We embrace him, and we embrace his family” –
7:50 PM – Escorted by IDF Troops, Edan Alexander Crosses into Israel
“The returning soldier, Edan Alexander, has just crossed the border into Israeli territory, escorted by an IDF unit,” the IDF Spokesperson confirmed.
“He is currently en route to the initial reception center in the Gaza Envelope, where he will reunite with his family.”
7:49 PM – Edan’s Father Airlifted to Re’im Base
Shortly after Idan’s arrival in Israel, his father was flown by Air Force helicopter to Re’im Base to join him.
7:42 PM – Prime Minister’s Office Statement:
“The Government of Israel embraces Edan Alexander, returned from Hamas captivity. His family has been informed that he has made contact with our forces. Alongside all security bodies, the government will support his reintegration and stand with him and his family. We remain fully committed to the return of all hostages and MIAs—both the living and the fallen—and we will continue to work tirelessly until they are all brought home.”
7:36 PM – IDF Update: Edan Transferred to Israeli Forces Inside Gaza
“The released hostage is now accompanied by an elite IDF unit en route to Israel, where he will undergo an initial medical evaluation and meet his family.
IDF commanders and soldiers salute and embrace him on his way home. The IDF Spokesperson calls on the public to act responsibly and respectfully and to protect the privacy of the freed soldier and his family.”
7:33 PM – President Trump’s Sends a Message
“Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage, is being released. Congratulations to his wonderful parents, family, and friends!”
7:31 PM – Prime Minister Netanyahu on Edan’s Return
“We embrace him, and we embrace his family. This was made possible through our military pressure and the diplomatic efforts of President Trump. It’s a winning combination. I spoke with President Trump today. He told me: ‘I am committed to Israel. I am committed to continuing to work with you closely to achieve all our wartime goals: freeing all the hostages and defeating Hamas.’ These goals go hand in hand—they are interconnected.”
7:25 PM – Golani Flag and Service Mementos: The Room Yael Alexander Prepared
Idan’s mother, Yael Alexander, designed a welcome room filled with Golani Brigade symbols and personal items from his military service, awaiting his return.
7:13 PM – Israeli source on Edan’s health:
Idan Alexander’s physical condition is poor, but he is smiling
Despite signs of weakness after more than a year and a half in Hamas captivity, Edan Alexander was reported to be in good spirits.
7:03 PM – On-the-ground reports: Edan walked with minimal assistance; Red Cross: “condition stable.”
Eyewitnesses observed the released hostage walking with some support. The Red Cross confirmed that while he appeared weak, his overall condition is considered stable.
6:55 PM – IDF Spokesperson: Red Cross confirms Edan was transferred and is en route to IDF forces in Gaza.
According to updates from the Red Cross, Idan was handed over to their personnel and is now being brought to the IDF team waiting inside the Strip.
6:41 PM – Israel: Despite Hamas announcement, transfer to Red Cross not yet confirmed
At this point, Israeli officials had not yet received official confirmation of the transfer, contrary to Hamas’ earlier statement.
6:33 PM – Israeli official to journalist Amichai Stein: “The moment Edan Alexander returns to Israel — we resume fighting in Gaza”
A senior Israeli source emphasized that the return of Edan does not signify a strategic shift, reaffirming that military operations in Gaza would promptly resume following his safe return.
6:13 PM – Edan Alexander officially transferred to the Red Cross.
6:05 PM – Reports confirm the Red Cross has arrived at the transfer point in northern Khan Younis.
5:55 PM – Hostage Coordinator Gal Hirsch and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff en route by Air Force helicopter to the reception site at Re’im Base.
4:39 PM – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. He also met with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Ambassador Mike Huckabee. It was agreed that an Israeli delegation will depart tomorrow for Doha to continue negotiations.
3:35 PM – Edan’s mother Yael Alexander and U.S. official Adam Boehler are on their way to meet him at Re’im Base.
3:20 PM – Family confirms Edan will be flown to Qatar for meetings with the U.S. President and Emir of Qatar, likely Wednesday or Thursday, where he is expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump and the Emir of Qatar. The meeting is expected to be emotionally charged, as the emir of Qatar is considered one of the principal financiers of the kidnappers.
1:38 PM – Prime Minister’s office denies Hamas reports of humanitarian aid entering Gaza. Israel insists no goods crossed the border and calls Hamas claims “psychological warfare.”
Earlier, a temporary halt in military operations, including drone surveillance and airstrikes, was implemented to facilitate the release. Still, some reports noted continued IDF strikes east of Gaza City.
1:21 PM – Trump posts “GREAT NEWS!”
Family Reunification Underway
Idan’s grandmother, Varda Ben Baruch, was waiting to greet him at the base. His mother, Yael, flew to Re’im with U.S. envoy Adam Boehler.
On this Mother’s Day, it is my honor to travel with Idan Alexander’s mom Yael for reunion of her son from Hamas.
Thank you President Trump for your commitment to bringing all Americans home. @POTUS @SecRubio @SteveWitkoff ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/UwcehqJ0xB
— Adam Boehler (@aboehler) May 12, 2025
