On images and films spread by the Israeli military, a pale but smiling Edan is seen hugging his mother Yael Alexander.
The terrorist-stamped Hamas handed over the 21-year-old to the Red Cross in Khan Yunis in southern Gaza just before 5:30 pm. Israel's military reported barely two hours later that Israeli special forces had escorted the man the last bit to Israeli soil.
After being reunited with parts of his family at a military base in southern Israel, he was flown in a military helicopter to a hospital in Tel Aviv for a medical examination.
"This is a very emotional moment - Edan Alexander has come home. We embrace him and we embrace his family," says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a statement, writes AFP.
The release is a consequence of military pressure from Israel and political pressure from US President Donald Trump, Netanyahu says, calling it a "winning combination".
"Gesture of goodwill"
Edan Alexander, who grew up in New Jersey, is the first male soldier to be released after Hamas' terrorist attack on October 7, 2023. He is the last living American hostage.
58 hostages remain in Gaza, with over 30 thought to be dead.
Hamas' decision to free Alexander was "a gesture of goodwill", said Donald Trump on Sunday - implying without conditions.
Outwardly, Israel has reacted positively to the release, but underscored that Israeli forces do not plan to lay down their arms.
According to Netanyahu, the US has conveyed to Israel that the event "is expected to lead to". It should be seen as a signal that the pressure is now increasing to achieve a new ceasefire in the Gaza war.
"In line with Israel's line, the negotiations will continue under fire, based on our commitment to achieve the war's goals", says Netanyahu in a statement.
Bypassed Israel
The release is surrounded by what appears to be a geopolitical power play. The announcement that Hamas planned to release came on Sunday.
The US is said to have bypassed Israel and negotiated directly with Hamas to get Alexander free. This is reportedly worrying Israel, which fears that Hamas' "gesture of goodwill" may be able to extract favors from the US leadership.
Analysts are simultaneously wondering what Hamas has to gain from freeing the hard currency that Alexander as an Israeli soldier represents, without getting anything in return.
In a statement, Hamas urges the Trump administration to continue "its efforts" to bring an end to the war.
"Serious and responsible negotiations lead to the release of prisoners", writes the militant extremist group.
