In Tel Aviv, Adi Alexander adopts a calm and practical approach, standing apart from many families who criticize Israel’s government for not securing the release of their relatives held hostage in Gaza. As the father of the last known living American hostage taken by Hamas, Adi’s primary focus is on his son’s safe return home.
The recent collapse of a tentative ceasefire and the resurgence of conflict between Israel and Hamas have left Adi questioning Israel’s ability to negotiate his son’s freedom. Instead, he places his hopes on the United States to bridge the gap and accomplish this daunting task.
Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old soldier with dual Israeli-American citizenship, spent his formative years in the United States. He remains one of 59 hostages still detained in Gaza, despite reports suggesting over half of them are likely deceased. Recently, Hamas offered to release Edan and a few other hostages’ remains if Israel adhered to the previously agreed-upon ceasefire.
However, the following days saw Israel launching airstrikes across Gaza, which effectively ended the two-month ceasefire and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians. With no signs of peace, Israel vowed to intensify its operations in Gaza until all captives are freed.
This resumption of violence has heated the debate within Israel concerning the hostages’ future. Criticism mounts against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, especially concerning his response to the hostage situation. Faced with widespread protests, he is also under pressure from hardline allies who oppose any compromise unless Hamas is fully dismantled.
Adi Alexander believes that while Netanyahu aspires to return the hostages, his priorities may not fully align with the hostages’ pressing needs. In contrast, he finds reassurance in U.S. President Donald Trump’s unequivocal commitment to the hostages’ release. Adi trusts that the U.S. can narrow the chasm between Israel and Hamas, urging the President to persist with diplomatic efforts.
Many other families in similar circumstances credit Trump with exerting more influence than Netanyahu, highlighting his instrumental role in establishing the earlier ceasefire. Before officially assuming the presidency for another term, Trump demanded the hostages’ release, setting a firm stance against any delays.
The initial phase of the deal, activated several weeks later, facilitated the release of 25 Israeli hostages and several bodies in exchange for a significant number of Palestinian prisoners. Though a continuation of dialogues for a second phase was anticipated under this ceasefire, Netanyahu withdrew from advancing talks.
Instead, proposals from U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff were pursued by Netanyahu, which suggested a ceasefire extension regarding the release of half of Hamas’ captives as a goodwill gesture. Hamas, conversely, insists that it will only agree to release the remaining hostages if conditions for a long-term ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza are met as originally mediated.
The U.S. has taken the unprecedented step of engaging directly with Hamas, aiming to facilitate Edan’s release. This initiative marks the first known interaction between the U.S. and Hamas since its categorization as a terrorist group decades ago.
Reports hint that discussions led by Adam Boehler, under the Trump administration’s directives, differed from the larger diplomatic talks. Adi Alexander remains skeptical of Hamas’ unforeseen promise to release Edan, as it was seemingly separate from ongoing negotiations.
Communicating almost daily with envoys Witkoff and Boehler, Adi learns that dialogue continues despite renewed violence.
Originally from Tenafly, New Jersey, Edan had relocated to Israel after completing high school in 2022 and joined the Israeli military. His life took a drastic turn when he was captured during an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which claimed numerous lives and captured hundreds.
Since Edan’s captivity, updates on his condition have been sparse. Hamas did release a video during the November Thanksgiving period, offering a glimpse of Edan alive although visibly distressed.
Insights from freed hostages confirm his worsening health, with noticeable weight loss. They recount Edan’s courageous advocacy for fellow captives, particularly for Thai workers, highlighting their plight and arguing for their release.
Despite continued hostilities, Adi holds on to optimism, albeit acknowledging the prolonged wait for his son’s return. He believes the ceasefire lull lulled all parties into complacency, delaying further peace efforts.
Expressing hope for a swift resolution to the conflict, Adi Alexander calls for focused and strategic measures that would eventually push negotiations forward. “Disrupting the status quo may create a necessary catalyst for renewed dialogue and, ultimately, the liberation of the hostages,” he suggests, underlining the urgency of returning to peace talks for eventual resolution.
