Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, May 12: Hamas will release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander on Monday, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that there will be no ceasefire in Gaza, despite the temporary halt in fighting for the hostage's safe passage.
The release, brokered in a four-way negotiation involving the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Hamas, was presented as a goodwill gesture to former US President Donald Trump, who confirmed the development via his social media platform, calling it ‘great news.’ Alexander had been presumed dead.
Three Gaza residents told Reuters that the region was calm since midday Monday, with no signs of Israeli drones or airstrikes. Netanyahu’s office confirmed the temporary pause but emphasized that military operations would resume immediately after.
“Israel has not committed to a ceasefire of any kind,” the Prime Minister’s Office said, adding that military pressure had compelled Hamas to agree to the release.
The release comes as Gaza’s 2 million residents face severe hunger, with global monitors warning of an imminent famine. Earlier Monday, an Israeli airstrike killed at least 15 people at a school sheltering displaced families in Jabalia. The Israeli military claimed the site housed Hamas militants preparing for an attack.
Special envoy Steve Witkoff, credited with facilitating Alexander’s release, is expected to arrive in Israel Monday, even as Trump proceeds with a diplomatic tour of Gulf nations that does not include Israel.
Alexander’s family expressed gratitude to Trump and Witkoff, urging continued negotiations for the remaining 59 hostages. "Please don’t stop," they appealed in a joint statement.
However, the release has triggered criticism within Israel, with some accusing Netanyahu of favoring hostages with foreign backing. Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan, criticized the government’s priorities, pleading with Trump: “End this war. Bring them all home.”
Israel’s hardline ministers, including Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, oppose any aid entry into Gaza and insist on continuing the war. Netanyahu, who faces a corruption trial, has pledged to expand operations in Gaza, with officials confirming plans to seize full control of the territory.
Israel resumed its offensive in March after a two-month ceasefire that allowed a prisoner exchange. Since then, the army has carved out a "security zone," preventing humanitarian aid from reaching civilians, worsening Gaza's crisis.
US Ambassador Mike Huckabee last week proposed a new aid delivery system run by private contractors, but the plan lacks clarity on funding and logistics.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier urged humanitarian access, while Israeli President Isaac Herzog assured that new aid mechanisms would bypass Hamas and reach civilians directly.
More than 52,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel began its military campaign in response to Hamas’ October 7, 2023 assault, which claimed 1,200 Israeli lives and resulted in 251 hostages, according to Israeli estimates.