Last week, 21-year-old American-Israeli dual citizen soldier Edan Alexander, who had been held captive by the Palestinian militant group Hamas for over 580 days, was successfully released. In an emotional phone call with US President Donald Trump, Alexander expressed his gratitude, saying, “It is because of you that I have come back alive, you saved my life.” The video of this call, released by the White House, quickly went viral on the internet, sparking widespread attention.
Alexander was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, amidst the conflict in Ha, and was not released until May 12 of this year. During his recovery treatment at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, he had this deeply moving conversation with Trump.
In the call, Alexander emotionally said to Trump, “President Trump, it is because of you that I am alive. You saved my life.”
Trump responded humorously, saying, “Edan, I was quite nervous talking to you, because you are more famous than me now.” He also expressed US support for Alexander and praised his mother for her perseverance in rescuing her son. “I’ve met your mom, she put a lot of pressure on me, just like a good mother!”
According to Fox News, this rescue operation is seen as a result of close cooperation between the United States and Israel. Reports cite insider sources mentioning the secret diplomatic efforts of US senior envoy Steve Witkoff and Adam Boehler in the rescue process, with the US exerting continuous pressure on Hamas to release the hostage.
Alexander’s family, in a public statement, thanked Trump, the negotiating team, and the Israeli Defense Forces, describing his release as “a miracle combining strength, diplomacy, and prayers.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised the successful operation, attributing it to the military pressure from Israel and the diplomatic pressure exerted by President Trump, which combined to produce a powerful effect.
Alexander’s return home has drawn attention to the fate of other hostages still imprisoned in Gaza. Recently, a group including 65 previously released hostages wrote a joint letter to Trump and Netanyahu, urging both parties to continue pushing for negotiations to reach a broader agreement, ensuring the safe return of all hostages.