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.

New Jersey officials, including Gov. Phil Murphy and Sen. Andy Kim, cheered Hamas' release of Edan Alexander of Tenafly.

Father of a Golani soldier, Simon, defended freed hostage Edan Alexander amid online criticism in a Wednesday interview with 103FM: "My son owes his life to Edan Alexander," he declared. Alexander was released by Hamas on Monday following 584 days in captivity in a hostage release deal secured by Trump.

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.

New Jersey native Eden Alexander, held hostage by Hamas since October 2023 and considered the last living American hostage, is being returned home to his