Hamas has released Edan Alexander, a double Israeli national and soldier of America and Israel. It is about to revive ceasefire negotiations and end Israel’s punishment lockdown in the besieged Gaza Strip.
The International Red Cross Committee (ICRC) confirmed that it promoted the transfer of soldiers on Monday evening. Images have been released showing Hamas members, Red Cross officials and Alexander.
Hamas said he released Alexander as a goodwill gesture against President Donald Trump on his way to the Persian Gulf Arab countries.
The battle was temporarily suspended to allow handovers after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel would allow safe passage for release.
“American hostage Edan Alexander thought it would be released by Hamas. Great news!” Trump wrote on his true social platform.
In a statement, ICRC President Mirjana Sporsjarik welcomed Alexander’s release, calling for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.
“We are relieved that another family member has reunited today, but this nightmare continues for the rest of the hostages, their families and hundreds of thousands of civilians across Gaza,” Spoljaric said.
Alexander’s mother arrived in Israel on Monday and flew to Leoim military base where the two reunited late in the evening, according to Al Jazeera’s Hamda Sarf, reporting from Amman, Jordan, as Al Jazeera is banned from Israel.
His father also joined the family.
Despite the release, Israel has not committed to a wider ceasefire. “There’s nothing in exchange. There’s no release of Palestinian prisoners, and there’s no pause in combat,” Sulf said. “If there’s any kind of negotiation, they’ll happen under fire,” Sulf added, referring to the general line of the Israeli government.
Akiba Elder, an Israeli political analyst, said Alexander’s release spurred joy as much as Israeli frustration. “What we’re seeing is what President Trump can do, Netanyahu can’t, or can’t,” he told Al Jazeera in Tel Aviv.
The Israeli Prime Minister said he is facing extensive calls to end the Gaza War to ensure the release of prisoners, but plans to expand Israeli attacks.