“Until Victory”: Former captive Edan Alexander to rejoin 'Israeli' army next month

Ex-'Israeli'-American captive Edan Alexander has announced he will return to service in the Israel Occupation Forces (IOF) next month, less than six months after being released from Hamas captivity in Gaza.

Speaking publicly for the first time since his release, Alexander said, “While I am free, many others are still in captivity. Their families are still waiting. We cannot stop until everyone is home.” He made the announcement at a Friends of the Israel Occupation Forces (FIDF) event in New York, telling a sold-out crowd of 1,200 that his story “does not end with survival, it continues with service.”

Alexander, who grew up in the US, was taken from his military base during the October 7, 2023 Hamas events and was held for 584 days before being released in May following negotiations between the US and Hamas. He was the last living 'Israeli' captive released from Hamas captivity.

During his speech, Alexander thanked former US President Donald Trump and his administration. He also urged continued efforts to free the remaining 48 captives, of whom only 20 are believed to be alive. “The nightmare continues for those still held. Their families are still waiting. We cannot forget them,” he said.

Alexander described his time in captivity as “the hardest days of my life” and expressed his respect for the IOF. “Serving in the IDF is one of the greatest honors of my life. To the soldiers who continue to defend Israel and to the families of the fallen, I carry your sacrifice with me always,” he said.

Hamas has released Edan back in May after engaging in direct talks with the United States towards securing a ceasefire in the war-ravaged enclave and getting aid flowing again to a suffering Palestinian population.

The Palestinian group then released a statement saying: “Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, a dual US national, will be released as part of the steps taken towards a ceasefire, reopen the crossings, and deliver aid and relief to our people in the Gaza Strip”.