(NewsNation) — American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, who was taken captive and held for more than 19 months in the Gaza Strip, has arrived Tel Aviv after being released.
Alexander arrived via helicopter at a hospital where he will be examined following his captivity. He also reunited with loved ones, including his mother.
President Donald Trump is set to meet with Alexander on Tuesday.
Hamas said Alexander was freed as a goodwill gesture toward the Trump administration to try to revive talks on ending the war.
Alexander was taken from his military base in southern Israel during Hamas’ cross-border attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which set off the war in Gaza. His expected release would be the first since Israel shattered an 8-week ceasefire with Hamas in March when it unleashed fierce strikes on Gaza, which have killed hundreds.
Israel said that, including Alexander, 59 hostages remain in captivity, about 24 of whom are said to be alive, and the remaining are deceased. Many of the 250 hostages taken by Hamas-led militants in the 2023 attack were freed in ceasefire deals.
The release comes as President Donald Trump heads to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates this week.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
