U.S. hostage crisis sees President Trump make critical last ditch move
President Joe Biden failed so many Americans held hostage. President Trump says he wants to bring them all home.
And a U.S. hostage crisis just forced President Trump to make a critical last ditch move.
White House Announces US-Israeli Held Hostage By Hamas Likely Coming Home Just Before Trump’s Middle East Visit
President Donald Trump has delivered a significant victory for American families and national security, announcing the imminent release of Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage held by Hamas since October 2023. This breakthrough, achieved through persistent diplomatic efforts, showcases the Trump administration’s commitment to bringing Americans home and restoring stability in a volatile region.
“I am happy to announce that Edan Alexander, an American citizen who has been held hostage since October 2023, is coming home to his family,” Trump declared in a Sunday post on his Truth Social platform. The announcement sparked a wave of optimism among Americans, particularly those who have closely followed the plight of hostages in Gaza.
“I am grateful to all those involved in making this monumental news happen. This was a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators — Qatar and Egypt — to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones,” he added, emphasizing the collaborative effort with key Middle Eastern allies.
The president’s message carried a hopeful tone for the future. “Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict. I look very much forward to that day of celebration!” Trump wrote, signaling his administration’s intent to pursue a lasting resolution to the hostage crisis and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 11, 2025
Edan Alexander, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, was captured during the horrific Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. His nearly two-year ordeal in captivity has been a source of anguish for his family and a rallying point for advocates urging decisive action. The Trump administration’s focus on his release marks a pivotal moment in addressing the broader hostage situation.
Hamas, in a rare public statement, confirmed its engagement with the U.S. administration. “The movement has shown a high level of positivity, and the Israeli soldier with dual American citizenship, [Edan] Alexander, will be released as part of the steps being taken toward a ceasefire, the opening of border crossings, and the entry of aid and relief for our people in the Gaza Strip,” the group declared on Sunday. This acknowledgment suggests that Trump’s diplomatic pressure may be yielding tangible results.
Vice President JD Vance praised the administration’s efforts, while urging vigilance. “Pray that Hamas follows through and Edan gets to come home,” Vance wrote on X. He also commended negotiator Steve Witkoff, noting, “If they do, it will have been another triumph of Steve Witkoff, who continues to face withering attacks for freeing hostages, negotiating complex diplomatic proposals, and serving his country (at great financial cost).” Vance’s comments point to the administration’s resilience in the face of criticism.
While the exact timeline for Alexander’s release remains uncertain, the announcement has already galvanized support. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters expressed solidarity with Alexander’s family, stating, “We are embracing and supporting the Alexander family.” The group also called for further action, adding, “Should this release be confirmed, the release of Edan Alexander must mark the beginning of a comprehensive agreement that will secure the freedom of all remaining hostages.”
Reminder: Hamas is not doing anything noble by “releasing” Edan Alexander. They never should have kidnapped him in the first place.
Don’t let the media twist it.
— Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) May 11, 2025
The forum’s plea to Trump was heartfelt: “President Trump, you’ve given the families of all the hostages hope. Please, complete your mission and bring them all home.” This sentiment resonates with many Americans who see Trump’s proactive stance as a beacon of hope for the remaining captives.
As Trump marked his 100th day in office, the urgency of the hostage crisis remained a focal point. Families of the five Americans still held in Gaza pressed the administration to intensify economic and diplomatic pressure on both Israel and Hamas. Their advocacy underscores the personal toll of the crisis and the need for sustained action.
Congress has also rallied behind the cause. On May 9, fifty lawmakers sent a letter to Trump, urging him to prioritize the hostages’ release. “As months have passed since the most recent exchange, we must keep the five remaining Americans and additional 54 hostages top of mind. The five American hostages include Edan Alexander, Omer Neutra, Itay Chen, Gadi Haggai and Judi Weinstein Haggai. Only Alexander is believed to be alive while Nuetra, Chen, Haggai and Weinstein Haggai were either m*rdered on October 7th or in captivity,” the letter stated.
The lawmakers emphasized the government’s duty, writing, “Our government’s most solemn responsibility is to keep Americans safe. With that responsibility in mind, we urge you to use all diplomatic tools at your disposal, in concert with our regional allies and partners, to ensure Edan’s release and the release of the remains of the deceased American hostages as soon as possible. Every day in captivity adds to the nightmare for the hostages and their families. We must bring them home now.” This bipartisan call reinforces Trump’s mandate to act decisively.
Alexander’s story is one of courage and sacrifice. Raised in Tenafly, New Jersey, he moved to Israel at 18 to serve in the IDF’s Golani Brigade. Living with his grandparents in Tel Aviv and at Kibbutz Hazor, he embraced his role as a lone soldier. On October 7, 2023, despite the option to visit his mother, who was in Israel, Alexander chose to stay on duty, unwilling to leave his comrades short-handed. His abduction that day marked the beginning of a grueling ordeal.
Now 21, Alexander has endured two birthdays in captivity. Of the 59 hostages still in Gaza, at least 24 are believed to be alive, including Alexander. His release could pave the way for further breakthroughs, bolstered by the Trump administration’s strategic approach to negotiations.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
