American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, held hostage in Gaza for over 19 months, was released by Hamas on Monday and returned to Israel via the Red Cross.

His release, which Israeli PM Netanyahu credited to military and political pressure from President Trump, comes amid ongoing negotiations and calls for a ceasefire.

Alexander, 21, was captured during Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, NBC News has reported.

His family called the news the “greatest gift imaginable,” while Trump and international mediators hailed the move as a hopeful step toward ending the war in Gaza.

Written by B.C. Begley