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Israel not committed to ceasefire, only to safe release of hostage Alexander: Netanyahu

Netanyahu’s office credited the “vigorous policy” pursued by his government, along with US support and ongoing military operations in Gaza, for making Alexander’s release possible.

Last Monday, Netanyahu had announced the plan that Israel would take over the entire Gaza and the Israeli military launched its new offensive in the Palestinian territory on Friday. (Pool photo via AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel has not agreed to any ceasefire or broader prisoner release deal with Hamas, but only to a limited arrangement allowing for the safe release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander from Gaza. “Israel has not committed to a ceasefire of any kind or the release of terrorists but only to a safe corridor that will allow for the release of Edan,” the official X handle of the Prime Minister of Israel posted on Monday.

The clarification follows comments from a senior Hamas official who told Reuters on Sunday that the group plans to release Alexander soon. The announcement was welcomed by key regional mediators Qatar and Egypt, who called it an encouraging sign toward restarting long-stalled ceasefire talks. Later, Hamas confirmed that the release will take place on Monday according to AP.

Israel has not committed to a ceasefire of any kind or the release of terrorists but only to a safe corridor that will allow for the release of Edan.

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) May 12, 2025

Who is Edan Alexander?

Netanyahu’s office also credited the “vigorous policy” pursued by his government, along with US support and ongoing military operations in Gaza, for making Alexander’s release possible.

“The expected release of IDF soldier Edan Alexander without anything in return will be possible due to the vigorous policy that we have led with the backing of President Trump, and thanks to the military pressure of IDF soldiers in the Gaza Strip,” read the tweet.

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Edan Alexander, 21, an Israeli soldier and US citizen from New Jersey, was taken hostage by Hamas during its surprise attack on southern Israel in October 2023. His release would mark the first since March, when a previous ceasefire collapsed and hostilities resumed.

A Hamas official told Reuters that Alexander’s release is part of the group’s attempt to resume ceasefire negotiations and reopen Gaza’s border crossings for humanitarian aid. However, Israeli leadership maintains that no such talks have progressed.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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