(NewsNation) — An American-Israeli hostage who was held captive in the Gaza Strip for more than 19 months has left Israel amid Iranian strikes.
NewsNation confirmed Edan Alexander evacuated Israel on Wednesday with his mother on a special evacuation flight back to the U.S. Once on American soil, he will return to his hometown of Tenafly, New Jersey, on Thursday.
“I want to tell you, Edan, we love you and we are so happy you’re back,” Yitzchak Gershovitz, his family rabbi, told CBS News. “This is our brother. Our son returns home, and our hearts are full of joy and happiness. There’s only one word: it’s a miracle of God.”
The U.S. Embassy in Israel was working Thursday to evacuate Americans via flight and cruise ship, as the Israel-Iran conflict ramps up and President Donald Trump weighs potential U.S. military action.
Edan Alexander held hostage for 19 months
Taken from his military base in southern Israel during Hamas’ attack on Oct. 7, 2023, Alexander was one of 251 kidnapped during the violence that claimed around 1,200 lives.
He was believed to be the last remaining American-Israeli hostage in Gaza.
During his captivity, his mother, Yael Alexander, told NewsNation, “It’s very, very tough to wake up every day. It’s a nightmare, but this is our life now, and whatever we are doing, it’s not enough.”
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Edan Alexander was reunited with family after being released by Hamas. (Israeli Defense Forces) -
Edan Alexander, left, is pictured with his father, Adi. Hamas kidnapped Alexander during the war in Gaza, and he remains in captivity. (Alexander Family) -
Edan Alexander was reunited with family after being released by Hamas. (Israel Defense Forces) -
People watch a live broadcast of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander as he is released from Hamas captivity in Gaza, at a plaza known as the hostages square in Tel Aviv on May 12, 2025. Alexander was abducted during the Hamas-led attack on his base on Oct. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
After 584 days in captivity, Alexander was released May 12 as part of a deal brokered by the Trump administration.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed more than 55,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count. The campaign has destroyed large areas of Gaza and displaced around 90% of its population.
Hamas was hopeful to use Alexander’s release to revive ceasefire talks, but Israel launched a renewed offensive days later. A permanent ceasefire has not yet been reached.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.