New Delhi, April 13 -- Hamas on Saturday (April 12) released a video of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, who has been held in Gaza for 551 days since being captured during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault on Israel. In the undated video, Alexander introduces himself and pleads for his release, questioning why he is still in captivity.

The timing of the video coincides with the beginning of Passover, a holiday that celebrates the Jewish people's liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. Alexander says in the video that he hopes to return home to celebrate the holidays with his family.

Alexander's family, in a statement, said: "As we begin the holiday evening in the USA, our family in Israel is preparing to sit around the Se...