Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander handed to Red Cross in Gaza

After 40 days in captivity, the Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander was handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza City on Thursday afternoon. The news was confirmed by the Israeli embassy in the United States.

The delivery took place against the backdrop of a massive Israeli military operation to find Alexander, which included the deployment of soldiers, advisers, and aircraft as well as an intense diplomatic effort led by Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid.

There is no official information about the health of the Israeli-American citizen, who was kidnapped at the Gaza border on July 6. According to Israeli media, Alexander arrived in Israel aboard an aircraft belonging to the Red Cross. The circumstances of the release are not yet known.

The operation, which was accompanied by intensive mediation efforts by Israel, the United States, and other friendly governments, was complicated by the difficult security situation in Gaza, which in recent days has seen a significant increase in rocket and mortar fire toward southern Israel.