Key Points Summary: Edan Alexander Released

• Edan Alexander released by Hamas as a goodwill gesture
• Release timed ahead of Trump’s Middle East visit
• Gaza airstrike kills at least 16, mostly women and children
• Trump credits envoy Steve Witkoff for securing release
• Israel accused of causing Gaza famine by UN, Oxfam
• Families of Israeli hostages demand more U.S. action
• Gaza war death toll now over 52,800, with risk of full famine

The last American-Israeli hostage held by Hamas has been freed.

Hamas announced the release of Edan Alexander on Monday as a “goodwill gesture” toward the Trump administration. The news broke just hours before President Donald Trump departed on a high-stakes diplomatic trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.

Hostage Set Free as Bombs Fall

The release came as tragedy struck elsewhere in Gaza. An Israeli airstrike on a school-turned-shelter in Jabaliya killed at least 16 people—mostly women and children. Gaza’s Health Ministry said five children and four women were among the dead.

There was no immediate confirmation from Israel on Alexander’s release. However, an Israeli official, speaking anonymously, said the 21-year-old was expected to be freed at 6:30 p.m. local time (1530 GMT).

Homecoming in Tenafly

Back in Edan’s hometown of Tenafly, New Jersey, supporters packed Huyler Park waving American and Israeli flags. They held up signs reading “Welcome Home” and followed the developments on a live newsfeed from Israel.

Shirly Zaifman, a neighbor, described Edan as “funny, smart, athletic,” and said she felt ecstatic but anxious: “Anything can happen last minute. We’re just hoping for the best.”

Trump Credits Envoy for Deal

At the White House, President Trump said Edan Alexander was “coming home to his parents,” praising special envoy Steve Witkoff for making it happen.

Witkoff, a former New York real estate developer, reportedly learned fast on the job. “He has a special way about him,” said Trump.

Trump added that the U.S. is considering lifting sanctions on Syria, a move pushed by Turkey’s President Erdogan. The U.S. has yet to formally recognize Syria’s new leadership under Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose group HTS remains listed as a terrorist organization.

Gaza on Brink of Famine

While Alexander’s release offered a glimmer of hope, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis continues to deepen.

A senior UN official said the entire Gaza Strip faces an “extremely critical risk of famine.” Beth Bechdol of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization said the food system has “collapsed.”

Mahmoud Alsaqqa of Oxfam went further, calling the starvation “deliberate” and “engineered.” He slammed Israel for blocking thousands of aid trucks.

Families of Hostages Speak Out

Though some families were celebrating, others expressed heartbreak.

Dani Miran, father of another hostage, said he was “happy” for Alexander’s family but frustrated: “Does this country not know how to protect our citizens?”

Yehuda Cohen pleaded for more U.S. involvement: “We need President Trump. We need Witkoff to finish the job.”

Einav Zangauker, whose son was held with Alexander, said her “heart breaks” knowing her son remains behind.

War Toll Keeps Climbing

According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, 33 more bodies were pulled from Gaza’s rubble in the past 24 hours. That brings the war’s total death toll to 52,862, with 119,648 injured.

Since Israel resumed its campaign in March, over 2,700 have died and more than 7,600 have been wounded.

The Bigger Picture

Experts from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification warned that famine is now the most likely outcome in Gaza unless Israel lifts its blockade. Nearly half a million people are already in “catastrophic” hunger levels.

As Trump lands in the Middle East, his role in ending the crisis and securing the remaining hostages will face mounting scrutiny.

Alexander’s return offers hope—but it also shines a spotlight on those still trapped in Gaza’s nightmare.