Hamas Frees US-Israeli Hostage Despite Israel Saying No Ceasefire

Hamas released Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander from Gaza on May 12, the Palestinian militant group said, although Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said there would be no ceasefire and plans for an intensified military campaign would continue.

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JERUSALEM - Hamas released Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander from Gaza on May 12, the Palestinian militant group said, although Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said there would be no ceasefire and plans for an intensified military campaign would continue.

"The (Ezzedine) Al-Qassam Brigades have just released the Zionist soldier and American citizen Edan Alexander, following contacts with the US administration, as part of the efforts undertaken by mediators to achieve a ceasefire," Hamas said in a statement.

Israel was told on May 11 of Hamas' decision to free the last surviving American hostage as a goodwill gesture to President Donald Trump.

"Edan Alexander, American hostage thought dead, to be released by Hamas. Great news!" Mr. Trump wrote on his social media platform earlier on May 12.

The release, after four-way talks between Hamas, the US, 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.

Mr. Netanyahu said Israel had agreed only to allow safe passage for Mr. 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.