Overview

• Alexander was abducted at 19 during the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack and survived 584 days in Gaza before his May 12 release.
• He described improved treatment by captors following Trump’s election and warned continued fighting risked the lives of fellow hostages.
• President Trump emphasized plans for a ceasefire and hostage exchange deal ahead of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s scheduled White House visit.
• The meeting highlights the administration’s new strategy of direct engagement with Hamas to leverage individual releases in broader peace talks.
• Community celebrations in Tenafly and the Oval Office ceremony have made Alexander a central figure symbolizing U.S. resolve to end the Israel-Hamas war.