Tel Aviv – Amid a brief halt in combat in the Gaza Strip, Hamas has released Edan Alexander, a hostage with dual US-Israeli citizenship. The 19-month-long captivity ended with coordination by the International Committee of the Red Cross, which safely transferred Alexander to Israeli custody on Monday (May 12).
Alexander’s release, which was described as a goodwill gesture toward visiting US President Donald Trump, has garnered global attention. Yet, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has swiftly shut down speculation of a broader ceasefire agreement or a larger-scale release of hostages.
According to Israeli media, Alexander’s physical condition was poor upon return. His release was preceded by an announcement on Trump’s social media channels, where he emphasized it as a diplomatic success, calling the development “great news.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged Trump’s involvement, citing direct communication with the US leader and attributing the outcome to a mix of sustained Israeli military operations and high-level diplomacy.
Netanyahu’s stance reflects Tel Aviv’s commitment to military dominance and security-first policies, despite mounting calls from international communities urging restraint and long-term solutions.
The situation remains volatile, with this release serving more as a tactical pause than a step toward lasting peace in the region.
