The International Committee of the Red Cross transferred Alexander from Gaza to Israeli authorities, the organization said.
Alexander, 21, got to speak to his mother, Yael, by phone for the first time when he was in the IDF convoy, an Israeli official told ABC News.
"You are strong, you are protected, you are home," Yael told him over the phone, according to a video released by the Israeli prime minister's office. "We will meet soon. Love you."
Alexander was first taken to Re’im Military Base in Israel for a medical assessment and to be reunited with his family, the IDF said, and then was taken to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv.
When Alexander hugged his little brother, he exclaimed, "You're huge! My gosh!"
NOW — Edan Alexander reunited with his family.
— Toria Brooke (@realtoriabrooke) May 12, 2025
pic.twitter.com/igFU04tYrs
Alexander, a New Jersey native, moved to Israel at the age of 18. He was serving in the IDF when captured from his base close to the Gaza frontier during Hamas' Oct. 7 attack. He was 19 when abducted and has had two birthdays while in captivity.
Alexander was the last living American citizen still believed to be held hostage by Hamas. The terror group is believed to also be holding the bodies of four dead American hostages, according to U.S. officials.
Alexander's supporters have gathered in Tel Aviv and in Tenafly, New Jersey, to celebrate his release.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a video message called Alexander's release "a very moving moment."
Netanyahu thanked President Donald Trump, crediting Alexander's release to Israel's "military pressure and the political pressure exerted by President Trump."
Netanyahu said Trump told him on Monday, "I am committed to Israel. I am committed to continuing to work with you in close cooperation -- to achieve all of our war goals: to release all the hostages, and to defeat Hamas."