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.

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.

Hamas said on Sunday that it had reached an agreement with the United States to release dual American Israeli national Edan Alexander, as part of efforts towards establishing a ceasefire and opening Israeli border crossings for humanitarian aid to enter.