Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, and Congressman French Hill (AR-2), Chairman of the House Hostage Task Force, issued statements on Monday praising the return of Edan Alexander, an American-Israeli citizen held hostage by Hamas since the October 7th terrorist attack.
The announcement follows a bipartisan letter led by Reps. Lawler and Hill on Friday, urging the Trump Administration to intensify diplomatic efforts to secure the release of all hostages still being held in Gaza.
“I’m thrilled by the news that Edan Alexander has returned home,” said Rep. Lawler. “I applaud President Trump for his tireless diplomatic work in securing the release of these hostages. As we continue our efforts to bring home all Americans being held abroad, I remain committed to ensuring their safe return. My prayers are with the families still waiting for their loved ones.”
Rep. Hill echoed those sentiments, stating, “I am overjoyed to hear that Edan Alexander is finally coming home after enduring nearly 600 days of unimaginable hardship. His release brings great relief and joy to his family and all Americans who kept him in their prayers. While we celebrate Edan’s freedom, our work continues to secure the release of every American still held abroad and recover the remains of those killed by Hamas.”
The release of Alexander marks a significant development amid ongoing international efforts to secure the freedom of hostages taken during the October 7th attacks.