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Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander has been safely handed over to Israeli forces after being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza for 583 days, ITV News’ Senior International Correspondent John Irvine reports

The last living American hostage in Gaza has been released by Hamas and is now with the Red Cross, according to Israel.

Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander was released on Monday afternoon, as part of efforts to establish a ceasefire, reopen border crossings into Gaza, and resume the delivery of aid.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff said that Hamas had agreed to release Alexander as a goodwill gesture towards Trump. The announcement came shortly before Trump visits the Middle East this week.

It highlighted the willingness of Israel’s closest ally to inject momentum into ceasefire talks, as desperation grows among hostages’ families and Gaza’s over two million people under the new Israeli blockade.

“This was a step taken in good faith towards 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,” Trump said on his social media platform, Truth Social on Sunday.

“Hopefully, this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict. I look very much forward to that day of celebration!”

Varda Ben Baruch holds a picture of her grandson Edan Alexander. Credit: AP

Alexander is an Israeli-American soldier who grew up in New Jersey. He was abducted from his base during the October 7 Hamas-led attack that ignited the latest war in Gaza in 2023.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government was angered by US direct talks with Hamas earlier this year, which led to a Hamas offer to release Alexander and the bodies of four other hostages if Israel recommitted to a stalled ceasefire deal.

Days later, however, Israel resumed the war.

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Khalil al-Hayyah, a Hamas leader in Gaza, said the group has been in contact with the US administration over the past few days and that the group is ready to “immediately start intensive negotiations” to reach a final deal for a long-term truce.

The latest conflict began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostage.

At the time of writing, Israel’s offensive has killed more than 52,800 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The offensive has destroyed vast areas of the territory and displaced some 90% of its population.

Fifty-nine hostages are still in Gaza, around a third of them believed to be alive.

Most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. The Hostages Families Forum, the grassroots forum representing most hostage families, said Alexander’s release “must mark the beginning of a comprehensive agreement” that will free everyone.

Trump, whose administration has voiced full support for Israel’s actions, is set to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates this week in a regional tour.

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