The freeing of Alexander marks the first hostage release since Israel broke a weekslong ceasefire with Hamas in March. His release leaves 58 hostages remaining in Gaza; about half are believed to be alive. Hamas has said the move is a goodwill gesture toward the Trump administration.

A crowd gathered Monday in New Jersey to watch the release of Edan Alexander, the last living U.S. citizen kidnapped by Hamas terrorists, who has been held hostage for over 19 months.

The crowd in Edan Alexander’s New Jersey hometown cheered in joy when an Israeli news broadcast said he had been transferred to Red Cross custody. The hundreds in attendance cheered again when Alexander was taken in by the Israel Defense Forces,