For the first time since the release Monday from Gaza of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander's by the militant group Hamas, his family spoke publicly about what their emotional reunion was like, and what their son went through.

Hamas released the American Israeli citizen, who was serving in the Israeli army when he was captured on Oct. 7, 2023.

The parents of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, who was freed Monday after being held captive by Hamas in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, said they always maintained hope he'd be released.

Yael and Adi Alexander, parents of released hostage Edan Alexander, give a statement to reporters at Tel Aviv’s Sourasky Hospital, a day after he was released home after 584 days in Hamas captivity.They are surrounded by their other two children and other family members,

Witkoff said he had worn the necklace for more than 25 years and now wanted Alexander to wear it in his son’s memory.