Israel says not committed to Hamas ceasefire, only to safe corridor for U.S. hostage release

Israel has not consented to any ceasefire or prisoner release with Hamas, but has only agreed to a safe corridor for the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Monday.

A day prior, Israel received information about Hamas’ choice to free Alexander, the final American hostage, as a gesture of goodwill to President Donald Trump following discussions involving Hamas, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.

The imminent release, potentially as soon as Monday, may pave the way for the liberation of the remaining 59 hostages still in Gaza; however, Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces will persist with the recently outlined preparations to enhance operations in the area. On Sunday, Hamas indicated it had been in discussions with the United States and had consented to the release of Alexander, a decision that key Arab mediators Qatar and Egypt deemed a positive advance towards resuming ceasefire negotiations in the conflict-ridden enclave.

The discussions occurred just prior to Trump’s upcoming trip to the Gulf, which will not feature a visit to Israel. U.S. officials have sought to reassure Israel about a perceived rift with Trump, who recently declared the cessation of a U.S. operation against the Iranian-supported Houthis in Yemen, as these militants persist in launching missiles at Israel.

Families of the captives and their allies in Israel have urged the government to negotiate an agreement for the release of those remaining in Gaza, yet Netanyahu has encountered significant pressure from hardliners in his cabinet to continue the war.

Last week, he revealed intentions to enhance the operation in Gaza, which officials indicated could potentially be completely captured by Israeli troops.