Hamas to Release U.S.-Israeli Hostage; Israel Rules Out Ceasefire

JERUSALEM — Hamas announced it will release Edan Alexander, a U.S.-Israeli dual national kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, attacks, but Israel insists the move will not lead to a ceasefire in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that a temporary pause in fighting would be observed solely to ensure Alexander’s safe passage, emphasizing that military operations will continue. “Israel has not agreed to a ceasefire of any kind,” his office stated. “The negotiations will proceed under fire, alongside preparations for an intensified campaign.”

The decision follows four-way talks involving Hamas, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. Alexander is the last known American hostage still alive in Gaza. Hamas called the release a goodwill gesture toward U.S. President Donald Trump.

While Israel prepares to escalate its offensive, Arab mediators expressed cautious optimism that Alexander’s release could jumpstart broader negotiations to free the remaining 59 hostages.

Overnight, Israeli airstrikes hit Gaza, including a school sheltering displaced families in Jabalia, reportedly killing at least 15 people, according to local health authorities. The Israeli military said it was reviewing the incident.

Trump, who is currently visiting Gulf states, did not include Israel on his itinerary. However, special envoy Steve Witkoff, credited with helping facilitate the release, is expected in Israel on Monday. Alexander’s family thanked both Trump and Witkoff, expressing hope that the development might lead to the liberation of other captives, 21 of whom are believed to still be alive.

“We urge the Israeli government and negotiators: please don’t stop,” the family said in a statement.
U.S.-Israel Relations Under Scrutiny

The deal has sparked criticism in Israel over the perceived prioritization of hostages with foreign citizenship. Raanan Shaked, a columnist for Yedioth Ahronoth, called the arrangement “a symbol of total failure,” accusing Israel of being sidelined in the process.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said Trump’s primary responsibility is securing the release of American citizens, though he stressed the desire to see all hostages freed.

Families of hostages have lobbied Washington for months, with multiple meetings held with Trump and other officials.
War Continues Amid Political Pressure

Netanyahu, under domestic pressure from far-right coalition members, has ruled out a full ceasefire. He is also scheduled to testify Monday in his ongoing corruption trial, charges he denies.

Following a two-month truce earlier this year that led to the exchange of 38 hostages for Palestinian prisoners, Israel resumed its offensive in March. Since then, Israeli forces have expanded control over parts of Gaza, designating cleared zones as "security areas" and restricting aid access, leaving Gaza’s two million residents in a worsening humanitarian crisis.

Plans for a new aid delivery system run by private contractors—not Israel—were announced by Huckabee last week, but details remain vague.

The war was triggered by Hamas’ surprise attack on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken, according to Israeli sources. Since then, over 52,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health authorities, and much of the enclave has been reduced to rubble through continued fighting and bombardment.