Adi Alexander urges the U.S. to negotiate directly with Hamas to secure the release of his son, Edan, the last known American hostage in Gaza.
At a Glance
- Adi Alexander calls for U.S. engagement with Hamas to free his son
- Hamas claims to have lost contact with Edan’s captors after an airstrike
- Recent video shows Edan pleading for help, intensifying public concern
- Ceasefire talks have stalled, leaving hostages’ fates in limbo
Desperate Appeal from a Father
Adi Alexander is calling on the U.S. government to open direct negotiations with Hamas to save his son Edan, a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier taken hostage during the October 7 attacks. Edan has been missing since an Israeli airstrike reportedly hit the area in Gaza where he was believed to be held, and Hamas claims they have lost contact with those detaining him, as reported by Reuters.
A newly released video by Hamas features Edan directly appealing to former President Donald Trump, asking for help in securing his release. The video has raised serious concern among hostage families and the public, emphasizing the urgent need for action. Adi Alexander and other families have staged demonstrations demanding the Israeli government and international leaders act swiftly.
Watch this YouTube video featuring Edan’s plea.
Mounting Pressure on Leaders
Alexander’s appeal echoes broader calls from Israeli families demanding immediate negotiations with Hamas. More than 50 hostages are still believed to be held in Gaza, with families fearing that ongoing military strikes could be endangering their lives. Several recently released hostages reported being held near active combat zones. In an emotional public statement, Adi said, “I think we should engage back with them directly and see what can be done in regards to my son, four American dead hostages, and everybody else,” according to Reuters.
Despite mounting public pressure, the Israeli government has maintained its hardline stance. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected Hamas’ conditions for a permanent ceasefire in exchange for the hostages, prolonging the diplomatic stalemate. The refusal to compromise has been a source of growing frustration for families caught in the crossfire.
See coverage of the growing protest movement from Times of Israel.
Calls for Reconnection and Resolution
Adi Alexander’s emotional plea is not an isolated call. Families of the hostages have been rallying in Tel Aviv, demanding clarity and creative diplomatic strategies to resolve the humanitarian crisis. Many have expressed skepticism about the current trajectory of negotiations and are urging the U.S. to take a more active role in diplomatic efforts.
In a recent interview, Adi expressed his growing concern: “It seems like the negotiations are stalled, everything is stuck, and we are kind of back to a year ago. It’s really concerning,” he told Reuters.
The Trump administration has acknowledged the ongoing hostage situation and affirmed that it is working with regional partners. However, with public pressure growing and Edan’s life hanging in the balance, families are pushing for stronger, more direct action to break the impasse and bring their loved ones home.
