Hamas’s military wing announced on Tuesday that they have "lost contact" with the captors of Edan Alexander, a hostage who has been held for over a year and a half. This claim followed what they described as a direct strike on the location where Alexander was believed to be held. However, the group did not provide any evidence for this assertion and did not clarify when or where the strike occurred.
Edan Alexander, a 20-year-old dual citizen of the U.S. and Israel, was taken from his military post near Kibbutz Nirim during the Hamas-led invasion on October 7, 2023. His family has been anxiously awaiting news of his fate, especially after a propaganda video released by Hamas showed him speaking about his captivity. In the three-minute video, which is believed to have been recorded recently, Alexander mentioned that he had been held for 551 days.
The Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, spoke with Alexander’s parents on Sunday. He reassured them that the return of hostages is a top priority for the Israeli military. Zamir emphasized that he carries the responsibility of bringing Alexander and other hostages home in every decision he makes.
Alexander’s family expressed their gratitude for Zamir’s call and his commitment to their son’s return. They described Edan as a lone soldier who moved to Israel and enlisted in the Golani Brigade to defend the country. They urged people to remember that the holiday of Passover is not a celebration of freedom as long as Edan and the other hostages remain captive.
Reports from former captives indicate that Alexander has been held in a tunnel for a long time, suffering from severe malnutrition and torture. His condition raises concerns about his health and well-being. The U.S. has also been involved in efforts to secure his release. Special envoy Steve Witkoff stated that Edan is a priority for the U.S. due to his American citizenship and injuries.
As of now, Edan Alexander is the only one of five remaining American hostages believed to still be alive. His family continues to advocate for his release, hoping for good news amid the ongoing conflict.