Held Palestinian Captive Pursues Army Re-Enlistment
Former Israeli Soldier Edan Alexander Speaks Out After Release from Hamas Captivity
Edan Alexander, a former Israeli soldier who was held captive by Hamas for several months, recently made a public announcement at an event hosted by the private US organization FIDF (Friends of the Israel Defense Forces). In his emotional speech, Alexander expressed his relief at being released and his concern for other captives still being held in the Gaza Strip.
Alexander was abducted during the Hamas and extremist groups' attack on October 7, 2023, along with over 250 people. He was likely held captive by Hamas in the dark tunnels under the Gaza Strip's coastal area, enduring days of struggle, pain, and separation from his family. Alexander's time as a Hamas captive in the tunnels under the coastal strip was described as 'the toughest days of his life.'
Alexander's speech concluded with the statement, 'Until victory.' However, no specific details were given about the identities or conditions of the captives still being held in the Gaza Strip. Hamas has claimed to have distributed captives across several neighborhoods in Gaza City, but no confirmation has been made about their current status.
Alexander was among those released in May as part of a deal between Hamas and the US, without Israeli involvement. He holds both Israeli and US citizenship and plans to return to military service next month. Alexander urged that efforts should not forget the captives still in the Gaza Strip, expressing his concern for their well-being and safety.
Hamas's alleged distribution of captives is intended to halt the Israeli offensive. However, the ongoing conflict in the region continues to pose a significant threat to the safety and security of all those involved. The international community is urged to take action to ensure the safe release of all captives and to bring an end to the violence in the Gaza Strip.