Hamas shared a video of Edan Alexander, a 20-year-old Israeli-American hostage on Saturday. In the video, Alexander pleads with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to secure his release.
Alexander was taken during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. His family chose not to comment but allowed the 3.5-minute video to be published. The footage shows Alexander, pale and sitting against a wall in a dark space. He addresses his family, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Trump. It remains unclear whether his statement was scripted by his captors.
Edan Alexander is a US citizen from New Jersey. Today Hamas released this torture video of him. It’s been over 400 days. What the fuck is this administration doing about American citizens held hostage in Gaza? Why are they still there? How is an internationally renowned terror… pic.twitter.com/v3NXZSsxio
— Eve Barlow (@Eve_Barlow) November 30, 2024
Netanyahu’s Response
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned the video, describing it as “cruel psychological warfare.” He assured Alexander’s family that Israel is working tirelessly to bring the hostages home.
Hostage Situation in Gaza
Around half of the 101 hostages still held in Gaza are believed to be alive. Efforts to secure their release continue, with ongoing negotiations and international pressure.
Ceasefire Talks and Hostage Release Efforts
Hamas leaders were expected to meet with Egyptian officials in Cairo on Saturday to discuss a ceasefire and potentially secure a deal for hostages’ release in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Both the Biden administration and President-elect Trump’s team are intensifying efforts to resolve the hostage crisis. The Hostages Families Forum has called on both administrations to take swift action.
