After being held captive for over 580 days, Hamas has released Edan Alexander, the last known living American hostage, on Monday.

Alexander, a 21-year-old with dual U.S.-Israeli citizenship, was handed over to an Israel Defense Forces unit. According to an Israeli official, he will be taken to a reception center in Re’im for initial medical and psychological evaluations by IDF Medical Corps personnel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated, “The Government of Israel welcomes IDF Staff Sergeant Edan Alexander back from Hamas captivity. His family has been informed that he has rejoined our forces. The government, along with all security branches, will help him reintegrate and will continue to support him and his family.”

Following Alexander’s release, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, “Congratulations to his wonderful parents, family, and friends!”

Hamas issued a statement saying, “The Al-Qassam Brigades have released the Israeli soldier with American citizenship, Edan Alexander, after discussions with the U.S. administration. This is part of the mediators’ efforts to achieve a ceasefire, open border crossings, and allow aid into the Gaza Strip.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday that Trump “is fighting to secure the release of every American detained abroad” and “We won’t stop until this conflict is over and all our hostages are home.” News of Alexander’s release sparked applause from a crowd gathered in his hometown of Tenafly, N.J.

Sue Gelsey, interim CEO of the Kaplan JCC on the Palisades, told that around 3,000 people had gathered in downtown Tenafly, some arriving as early as 5 a.m.

, who is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, commented that Alexander’s release was “great news” prior to the actual event.

Israel reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on Monday. Netanyahu then spoke with Trump and thanked him for his assistance in securing Alexander’s freedom.

Alexander’s family, accompanied by their assigned officer from the Missing Persons and Hostages Headquarters, will meet him at the Re’im facility. After their reunion, Edan and his family will be flown to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv for further care, the official added.

As an IDF soldier, Alexander will receive comprehensive support, including medical, psychological, and logistical aid, from military professionals.

Hamas initially announced its intention to release Alexander on Sunday.

Alexander’s mother, Yael, expressed her feelings on Thursday, saying she was experiencing “[s]uch sadness and agony not knowing what the fate of your son is.”

“I have not been able to sleep. I am stuck in Oct. 7, even though it’s been 580 days. I used to enjoy Mother’s Day so much. We would all go to the city to a special restaurant, and I insisted the kids write me letters on this day. I have not been able to celebrate anything since this nightmare began,” she said.

Raised in Tenafly, Alexander moved to Israel at 18 to volunteer for military service in the IDF’s Golani Brigade. He resided with his grandparents in Tel Aviv and at Kibbutz Hazor, where he was part of a group of lone soldiers.

He was abducted on the morning of October 7, a Saturday when he wasn’t required to be on base. His mother was visiting from abroad, and he had the option to spend the weekend at home, like many lone soldiers. He chose to remain on duty to support his fellow soldiers.

Ayelet Samerano, the mother of hostage Yonatan Samerano, noted that the previous day was Mother’s Day and that “[a]round the world, mothers celebrated with their children.”

“But for me – and the other mothers of the 59 hostages – it was just another day of nightmare. Yes, I am happy for the Alexander family. They will finally have their son Edan back. I thank President Trump and Steve Witkoff for this progress,” she added. “But President Trump – please don’t stop. This is only the first step. Do whatever is necessary to bring every last one home. The other 58 hostages have no time left. They are in hell. The living could be killed any day. The deceased – their bodies could be lost forever. They must all come home.”

Digital’s Emma Colton and Stepheny Price contributed to this report.

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