Trump Envoy Flies with Hostage’s Mother Ahead of Edan Alexander’s Release

On May 12, 2025, U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler accompanied Yael Alexander, 
the mother of 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander, on a flight to Israel, ahead of 
her long-awaited reunion with her son. Boehler posted a photo from the plane on social media 
platform X, writing: “On this Mother’s Day, I have the honor of flying with the mother of Edan 
Alexander to reunite her with her son.” He also thanked President Donald Trump “for his commitment 
to bringing all Americans home.”

Edan Alexander was captured by Hamas on October 7, 2023, during a deadly cross-border assault. 
Held in Gaza ever since, Edan became the last known American hostage still in captivity. His family, 
based in New Jersey, tirelessly lobbied for his release, drawing support from senior U.S. officials 
and international mediators.

The breakthrough, announced just hours before Mother’s Day in the U.S., was widely seen as a symbolic 
victory. President Trump confirmed Edan’s pending release on his social platform, commending the 
efforts of all parties involved, including mediators from Qatar and Egypt. Israeli officials stated 
that Hamas’s decision came as a result of continued military pressure and emphasized that this move 
did not signal a broader ceasefire.

Appointed in December 2024, Adam Boehler has led direct negotiations with Hamas—a controversial but 
ultimately productive approach that has yielded several hostage releases over recent months. The 
release of Edan Alexander marks a major diplomatic win and fuels hopes for the safe return of all 
remaining captives.