Last us iGAGE in Gaza is found with the parents: “We have never lost hope”

Edan Alexander was kept hostage underground for 583 days in tunnels under Gaza. After his release on Monday evening, he stood in an ordinary white room on an Israeli military base while his mother rushed. They hugged and cried with joy and whining.

Adi Alexander, Edan’s father, wanted to join their embrace. Instead, he waited for the corridor. For more than a year and a half, Mr. Alexander relied on the discipline to survive the test of his son’s capture.

Of the 251 people, Hamas took its captive during its attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023, 12 had American citizenship. The son of Mr. Alexander, 20 years old, was the last of the 12 hostages still detained. Israeli authorities estimate that 59 hostages remain. Dozens, including four American citizens, are presumed dead.

“We have never lost hope,” said Alexander on Wednesday during an interview after the release of his son. “I couldn’t afford to think differently.”

Now, with his son practically before him, Mr. Alexander said that he stimulated himself again.

“I can’t go cry in front of him,” said Alexander. So he stopped for a few minutes to let his wife and eldest son hug the room. “I have to stay strong.”