Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Israel would not agree to a ceasefire or release Palestinian detainees in exchange for the return of Israeli-American captive Edan Alexander, dismissing the move as a goodwill gesture by Hamas that would not alter Israel’s military course in Gaza.
"Israel has not made any concessions in exchange for this step and has not agreed to a ceasefire or the release of Palestinian prisoners," Netanyahu said in a statement issued by his office. "What has been agreed upon is limited to the creation of a safe corridor allowing for the release of Edan."
He added that negotiations aimed at securing the release of all captives held by Hamas in Gaza would continue "under fire", alongside preparations to escalate combat operations.
Netanyahu described the expected release of Alexander as the result of "Israel's offensive policy, backed directly by President Donald Trump and sustained military pressure on Hamas."
The Israeli leader also took aim at foreign governments reportedly holding talks with Hamas independently of Israel.
"Such steps send the wrong message to Israeli society and weaken the home front," he said. "Any deal made outside the official Israeli framework undermines the credibility of the state and compromises its political unity."
According to Israel’s Channel 12, the military will halt aerial activity over Gaza for operational purposes during the transfer of Alexander to ensure safe passage. Preparations are reportedly underway for a procedure similar to previous captive releases.
Abu Obaida, spokesperson for Hamas's military wing the Qassam Brigades, announced that Alexander would be released on Monday:
"The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades have decided to release the Zionist soldier who holds American citizenship, the captive Edan Alexander, today, Monday, 2025-05-12."
The statement was issued via the group's official Telegram channel.
Hamas initially announced on Sunday that it would release Alexander following recent contact with the US administration. In a statement, the group said it had shown "high positivity" in making the decision, which it framed as part of broader efforts to "achieve a ceasefire, open the crossings, and allow humanitarian aid to reach our people in Gaza".
The group also expressed readiness for "intensive negotiations" on a full ceasefire and a prisoner exchange, and proposed that Gaza be governed by an independent, professional entity to ensure long-term stability and reconstruction.
The US has held several rounds of discussions with Hamas aimed at securing the release of American citizens held in Gaza. President Donald Trump recently reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to facilitating humanitarian aid for Palestinians and is scheduled to begin a regional tour on Tuesday that includes stops in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.
However, tensions have reportedly flared between the US and Israel over the direction of negotiations. The Hebrew newspaper Maariv cited sources saying Netanyahu told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee on Sunday that Israel should begin "weaning itself off" American military assistance.
Israel Hayom also reported that Trump is weighing the announcement of a comprehensive Gaza plan that could end the conflict and reshape the Strip’s political and security landscape.
Haaretz reported that the Trump administration views the move as its "final and most risky" attempt to push forward a broader hostage deal, warning that failure could diminish US involvement in future Gaza ceasefire negotiations, particularly as Alexander is believed to be the last living American in Hamas custody.
Ynet reported that Israel had not been informed in advance of the talks between Hamas and the US, but received indications of Alexander’s pending release. Officials reportedly fear that Trump could use the case to pressure Israel into accepting a ceasefire deal under what they describe as "unfavourable terms".
UAE-based Sky News Arabia and Qatar’s Al Jazeera both reported the release as a "gesture of goodwill" ahead of Trump’s regional visit.
Al Jazeera cited a Hamas official as saying "advanced negotiations" were underway with the US over a broader truce and aid delivery.
Arab media also highlighted Israeli unease, citing foreign reports that the deal comes amid rising tensions between Netanyahu and the US administration.