Alexander, the last American held in Gaza, becomes ninth freed captive to meet with Trump
President Donald Trump on Thursday met with Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old American citizen recently freed after 19 months in Hamas captivity, in the Oval Office.
Trump spoke with Alexander about the former hostage’s experience, according to video released online, with Trump saying, “We’re very proud that I got to help you,” and emphasizing first lady Melania Trump’s interest in Alexander’s situation.
Alexander, believed to be the last American hostage held in Gaza, was released on May 12 after 584 days of severe torture by Hamas captors. A dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, Alexander grew up in New Jersey and moved to Israel after graduating high school. While serving in the Israel Defense Forces, he was taken hostage during Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel.
Alexander’s return to New Jersey in June drew hundreds of supporters, who lined rain-soaked streets to celebrate his homecoming, according to the New York Post.
President Trump spoke with Alexander by phone shortly after his release. “You’re an American, and we love you,” Trump said. “We’re going to take good care of you. And your parents are incredible. I saw your mother. She was pushing me around a little bit—she was putting, putting a lot of pressure on me.”
Trump, who has played a key role in securing hostage releases, in March also welcomed eight other former Hamas hostages, including another American citizen, to the White House.
The Thursday meeting comes as Israel has agreed to the terms of a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet with Trump at the White House on Monday.