Quotes
The (Ezzedine) Al-Qassam Brigades have just released the Zionist soldier and American citizen Edan Alexander, following contacts with the U.S. administration, as part of the efforts undertaken by mediators to achieve a ceasefire,
Hamas said in a statement
They should stop the war and bring all the hostages back home in a deal, not military pressure."
Meirav Etrogbar, 52, a volunteer at the Forum, told AFPEveryone is afraid that the shelling might resume suddenly after the prisoner is released."
But Um Mohammed Zomlot, 50, also displaced in Khan Younis, saidWe affirm that serious and responsible negotiations yield results in the release of prisoners, while the continuation of aggression prolongs their suffering and may kill them,
a Hamas statement saidThe compound was used by the terrorists to plan and execute terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF (army) troops,
it saidYou are strong. You are protected. You are home,
she said in the video
Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage, is being released. Congratulations to his wonderful parents, family, and friends!"
U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the release, writing in a post on his Truth Social platform
Only an end to the war in Gaza would secure the release of the remaining hostages."
They held up photos of the freed hostage and signs readingMedical teams and staff at the hospital are well-prepared to provide all necessary medical, psychological, and rehabilitative care for Alexander, as well as support for his family and any other needs that may arise,
Solomon said in a statementThis community has gone through a lot in the last year-and-a-half, almost two years. It's been anger, frustration and hope. Hope won out today,
Zinna told Reuters by telephone
The returning hostage, IDF (army) soldier Edan Alexander, accompanied by members of his family, is currently making his way on an Israeli Air Force helicopter to the hospital, where he will be reunited with other members of his family and will receive medical treatment,
the military said in a statement
He seemed like a man. He has really matured,
she saidThis was achieved thanks to our military pressure and the diplomatic pressure applied by President Trump. This is a winning combination,
he said in a statement
Forget rumours. We’re all on the same page,
he said, after a meeting with Netanyahu and Steve Witkoff, Trump’s regional envoy which he described as “excellent”.Instead of ending the war and bringing everyone back, Netanyahu is preparing to expand the war this week. To execute the kidnapped who remain in captivity and to make the dead disappear,
she said
Stay strong. We love you and we are doing everything we can to free you and for all hostages to go home
Ben Baruch said, according to a video published by the Hostage Families Forum campaign group
The Israeli people are behind you. End this war. Bring them all home".
Addressing Trump in a statement she read with other hostage families, she said
The government of Israel is committed to the return of all hostages and missing persons – both the living and the fallen,
the statement added
We are relieved that one more family has been reunited today. This nightmare, however, continues for the remaining hostages, their families, and hundreds of thousands of civilians across Gaza,
Spoljaric saidEdan Alexander, American hostage thought dead, to be released by Hamas. Great news!”
Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform