Trump welcomes deal to free US-Israeli hostage, says it’s part of push to return everyone, end the war

US President Donald Trump posts a statement confirming the imminent release of American-Israeli Gaza hostage Edan Alexander, thanking all those involved and adding that it’s part of a wider effort to return all the captives and end the 19-month war.

“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 says on Truth Social.

MONUMENTAL NEWS: "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." –President Donald J. Trump ???????? pic.twitter.com/zTFBzD5rBN

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 11, 2025

“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. 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!”