Father of U.S.-Israeli hostage hopeful for son’s release as Gaza ceasefire gets underway

John Yang:

Good evening. I'm John Yang. Tonight, three women are back on Israeli soil for the first time in 15 months since they were kidnapped in the October 7 Hamas attacks and held captive in Gaza. Their return follows the implementation of the long awaited ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, pausing a war that's left Gaza devastated.

Hamas turned the women over to the Red Cross in Gaza, which transferred them to the Israeli military. They were reunited with families and taken to a hospital. The freed hostages are Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher.

Their safe return sparked celebrations across the country as jubilant Israelis danced and waved flags. There was jubilation too in Gaza at the ceasefire and Israel's promised release of Palestinian prisoners. Trucks laden with badly needed aid were seen in southern Israel headed to crossing points into Gaza.

In the United States, President Biden hailed it as a step forward.

Joe Biden, U.S. President:

Today alone, we anticipate several hundred trucks will enter the Gaza Strip as I'm probably as I'm speaking, and after so much pain, destruction, loss of life, today the guns in Gaza have gone silent.

John Yang:

Hamas captured seven U.S. citizens on October 7. Only three are thought to be still living. Saki Decalhen and Keith Siegel, both are on the Hamas list of those to be released in the first phase. And Edan Alexander, who is not on that list. Earlier I spoke with Alexander's father, Adi, and asked him how he felt about today.

Adi Alexander, Father Edan Alexander:

It was a great start to begin with. Today, it was a great day. We are hopeful that Edan will be out between now and 42 days from now, although the road is still ahead of us and a lot of work to be done.

John Yang:

As you say, it's a long road ahead. There may be some bumps on that road. Are you concerned that there may be some bumps before Idan is released?

Adi Alexander:

I'm sure it will be a bumpy road, but I have no doubt about the execution of the whole phases of that deal. I think it's been too long for this war to continue, and the commitment of the outgoing administration and incoming administration is ironclad strong. So we are hopeful that all the phases will be implemented.

John Yang:

Do you think the impending return of Donald Trump to the White House may have helped get this thing over the finish line?

Adi Alexander:

Absolutely. The Trump effect was crucial. Using the deadline of January 20th as a deadline for the talks and for the release of the hostages was absolutely crucial as well. And the firm language from the president elect helped as well. So we are grateful.

John Yang:

I know Edan was able to call your wife as the attacks were beginning on October 7th. They were able to speak. Have you thought about when your wife and Idan's brother and sister are able to speak with him again that might be like, what you might want to say?

Adi Alexander:

So many questions to ask, you know, about that particular day on October 7 when he was surrounded and attacked. The way he managed to surrender himself. So many questions to ask. And for the month that came after that, I'm eager to hear that and just to hug my son and to see what it has to say. Hopefully we'll say, you know what, guys, it wasn't so bad after all. I'm okay.

John Yang:

Have you thought about what those first few days will be like, having Edan back, being able to hug him again, as you say?

Adi Alexander:

I can't imagine. I see the process that those three young women went through this morning in Israel. I hope for the same to myself and to my family and just we'll keep praying.

John Yang:

You say you can't imagine what that's going to be like. I can't imagine what the last 15 months has been like for you and your family. How have you been able to keep going? What has sustained you over the last 15 months?

Adi Alexander:

You just have to go into autopilot every day. It's the same day. Some interviews, talks, meetings just to push forward, you know, and keep this issue front and center for everybody and make sure that people actually do their jobs on all sides in Israel, in Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. government, that everybody does his job to get those people out.

John Yang:

Do you think there's been some criticism or there was criticism of the prime minister for not getting this deal sooner or not pressing for a deal sooner? Do you think this could have happened sooner if Mr. Netanyahu had pushed more?

Adi Alexander:

I mean, we've been very close before. The deal is the same deal that was presented by President Biden and it was approved by the United Nations Security Council. And we finally get to see the fruits of that deal after the intense diplomacy. And I'm happy that diplomacy worked this time.

John Yang:

Adi Alexander, whose son Edan is being held in Gaza, thank you very much for your time, and I hope you and your family and Edan are all together soon.

Adi Alexander:

Thank you, John.