**Israeli-American Soldier Released from 19-Month Captivity in Gaza**

TEL AVIV, Israel — Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American soldier, has been released after enduring 19 months as a hostage in Gaza. Though he had faced near starvation during his imprisonment by Hamas militants, Alexander struggled to eat upon his release. His appetite finally returned when his mother, Yael Alexander, placed a burger and fries before him, igniting one of several heartwarming moments for his family.

Hamas presented Alexander’s release as a goodwill gesture towards President Donald Trump, hoping to rejuvenate ceasefire discussions during Trump's recent Mideast tour. However, this initiative was overshadowed by Israel launching a renewed offensive shortly thereafter, intensifying fears among the families of the remaining hostages.

Adi Alexander, Edan's father, found some solace in Israel's recent allowance of aid into Gaza for the first time in two and a half months. “It’s a small yet significant step forward,” Adi remarked, expressing hope for another ceasefire, further releases, and ultimately, an end to the conflict. He emphasized that the prolonged suffering cannot be resolved by adding more agony and urged Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to prioritize human life above political agendas.

The family's whirlwind of emotions began just after celebrating Mother's Day at their New Jersey home. Adi Alexander noticed eight missed calls from Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Mideast envoy, who informed them to watch the TV for an announcement regarding their son's release by Hamas. The family hastily arranged flights to Israel, and Edan’s mother traveled alongside Trump’s hostage negotiator, Adam Boehler.

Edan Alexander was among 251 people kidnapped during Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which saw the death of around 1,200 individuals, mostly civilians. Though many hostages have since been released through ceasefires or deals, Hamas still holds 58 hostages, with a third believed to be alive. Israeli forces have rescued eight hostages and retrieved over 40 bodies.

Gaza's Health Ministry reports that Israel’s retaliatory strikes have resulted in over 53,000 Palestinian deaths, predominantly women and children. The offensive has devastated large portions of Gaza and displaced about 90% of its population.

Reflecting on his captivity, Edan revealed to his parents that the most harrowing moment was being dragged into Gaza and confined in a tunnel. Initially isolated, Alexander found a slight reprieve when ten other hostages joined him. This fear of being held alone drew parallels to an Israeli soldier captured in 2006, who endured years of solitary confinement before being traded in a significant prisoner exchange in 2011.