Auburn's Bruce Pearl calls for release of Edan Alexander from Hamas captivity

Hamas said it would release Alexander and the bodies of four hostages held there since its Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack if Israel recommitted to a ceasefire agreement.

"I get asked a lot how this basketball program has become so competitive over the last eight years," Pearl said. "But for me, I believe it was God's plan to give us this success, success beyond what we deserve. To give us this platform. To give us an opportunity to start this conference briefly and remind the world that Edan Alexander is still held hostage in Gaza right now. An American held hostage and not enough people in this country know his name."

"Oct. 7 was the worst day since the Holocaust for the Jewish people, and they say they want to do it again and again and again. We have American hostages in Gaza right now, and it's unacceptable," Pearl said. "And President Trump called it out, and said if they just free the hostages, the killing would stop. Free the hostages, and the killing will stop, and that's up to Hamas."

Pearl has voiced his support for Israel in the past and has routinely condemned Hamas for its actions and anti-Israel agitators who seemingly support the group.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.