Hamas Says It Will Release Israeli-American Hostage

Hamas was to release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander from Gaza on Monday, the Palestinian militant group said, although Israel's prime minister said there would be no ceasefire and plans for an intensified military campaign would continue.

- Reuters

JERUSALEM:

Fighting will pause to allow for Alexander's safe passage, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, a day after Israel was told of Hamas' decision to free the last surviving US hostage in Gaza as a goodwill gesture to President Donald Trump.

The release, after four-way talks between Hamas, the United States, Egypt and Qatar, could open the way to freeing the remaining 59 hostages held in the Gaza Strip, 19 months after Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

But Netanyahu said Israel had agreed only to allow safe passage for Alexander, and its forces would continue recently announced preparations to step up operations there.

"Israel has not committed to a ceasefire of any kind," his office said, adding that military pressure had forced Hamas into the release. "The negotiations will continue under fire, during preparations for an intensification of the fighting."