the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Tenafly NJ, the armed wing of Hamas announced Saturday that the fate of Edan Alexander , a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier from Tenafly, remains unknown following an Israeli airstrike that killed one of his captors. Alexander is believed to be the last known U.S. citizen held alive in Gaza.
Hostage Status in Limbo After Israeli Strike
According to Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades, they lost contact with the group responsible for guarding Alexander earlier this week. On Saturday, they confirmed the body of one captor was recovered, but the status of Alexander and others remains uncertain.
“We are trying to protect all the hostages, but their lives are in danger due to the enemy’s criminal bombings,” said Al-Qassam spokesperson Abu Ubaida.
The Israeli military has not yet commented on the report.
Rising Death Toll Amid Renewed Israeli Assaults
This news comes amid a renewed Israeli offensive that began on March 18, after the collapse of ceasefire talks.
Since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel — which left 1,200 dead and 251 taken hostage — Israel has pursued the group with continued military operations across the Gaza Strip. Of the 59 hostages believed to remain, fewer than half are thought to be alive.
Diplomatic Efforts and Video Releases
Alexander’s release has been a top priority for U.S. negotiators, including President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. representative Adam Boehler. Talks have focused on hostage swaps and ceasefire negotiations, though no final agreement has been reached.
On Thursday, Hamas’ Gaza chief Khalil Al-Hayya said they are willing to release all hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned in Israel, a permanent ceasefire, and reconstruction of Gaza. Israel has so far rejected such terms, demanding Hamas disarm and cede future governance of the territory.
Emotional Pleas From Families
On Saturday, Hamas released a new edited video of Israeli hostage Elkana Bohbot, echoing a similar video of Alexander released earlier, pleading for freedom. The Bohbot family expressed devastation and urged swift action to bring the hostages home.
Outlook Remains Uncertain
With military operations escalating and negotiations stalled, the fate of Alexander — a Teaneck native and IDF soldier — remains uncertain. As pressure mounts on global leaders, families continue to plead for immediate and peaceful solutions to secure the return of the hostages and end the bloodshed.
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This US citizen should have stayed in the US.