The family of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander is speaking out as talks for his release progress after the recent ceasefire. Edan, held by Hamas for over a year, made a plea for freedom in a newly released video.
Edan Alexander, a 20-year-old Israeli-American soldier, has been held hostage by Hamas for over 420 days. In a recent video released by Hamas, Edan, who serves in the Israel Defense Forces, pleads for his release, saying, "My name is Edan Alexander and I have been a prisoner of Hamas for more than 420 days."
Following the release of the video, Edan's father, Adi Alexander, spoke to reporters in New York, expressing cautious optimism as talks progress. He said, "The first reaction, it feels good. We've been close to the deal before, but not that close. We embrace it, and we anticipate the release of our son as soon as possible."
In his video, Edan appealed directly to U.S. and Israeli officials, urging them to use their influence to secure his freedom, stating, "Dear President Trump, my name is Edan Alexander. I’m an American-Israeli citizen held captive in Gaza. Use your influence and the full power of the United States to negotiate for our freedom. Every day here feels like an eternity."
Adi Alexander also expressed gratitude to both the Biden and Trump administrations for their efforts in securing his son's release, saying, "The Trump effect was in play, using the January 20th deadline to push the deal forward. Thank you for working with the Biden administration and reinforcing the team. We are truly grateful."
The Alexander family remains hopeful as they await Edan's return, with Adi adding, "Stay strong, keep surviving, stay hopeful. You will be out soon."
As the deal progresses, the family holds onto hope that their long nightmare is nearing its end.
Read next
04:44
Israel has accused Hamas of violating a ceasefire agreement after discovering that one of the bodies handed over during Thursday’s exchange did not belong to any known hostage. The military is demanding the return of the missing remains.
02:21
Three bombs exploded on empty buses near Tel Aviv in a major attempted attack, while two other devices were disabled. Israeli authorities are investigating, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed retaliation against Hamas.
00:52
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed revenge after Hamas returned the bodies of four hostages, including infants, in a highly publicised handover. The move comes amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations and a deadly 16-month-long war.
16:16
As Israel maintains control over key positions in southern Lebanon, the government in Beirut is calling for international pressure to ensure the full implementation of the November 27 ceasefire and increased support for Lebanese security institutions.
12:00
Hamas handed over the bodies of Israeli infant Kfir Bibas and his four-year-old brother Ariel, along with their mother Shiri Bibas and hostage Oded Lifschitz, on Thursday under the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Red Cross vehicles carried the four black coffins, each bearing a photo of the hostages.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment