Israel confirmed on Monday, May 12, 2025, that it has not agreed to a ceasefire or any prisoner exchange with Hamas, despite the imminent release of 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander, who had been held captive in Gaza for more than 19 months. The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear in a public statement that Israel had only agreed to permit safe passage for Alexander’s release and that it would continue its military operations in Gaza unabated.
“Israel has not committed to a ceasefire of any kind,” Netanyahu’s office stated, emphasizing that military pressure was the primary reason behind Hamas’s decision to release Alexander.
The statement added that negotiations for a potential truce or prisoner swap would continue even under fire, and that preparations were underway for a major intensification of fighting in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas: Release Was a Gesture to Trump Ahead of His Middle East Visit
According to a Hamas source speaking to AFP, mediators informed the Palestinian group that Israel would temporarily pause military operations to allow the safe handover of Alexander to international representatives. Hamas declared the release as a “goodwill gesture” to U.S. President Donald Trump, who is set to arrive in the Middle East later this week. The release was reportedly part of ongoing diplomatic efforts involving key mediators Qatar and Egypt, which have served as critical intermediaries in previous ceasefire attempts between Israel and Hamas.
“This move is a positive signal and could reopen dialogue on a broader ceasefire agreement,” said an Egyptian diplomat familiar with the negotiation efforts.
Hamas political leader Khalil al-Hayyah publicly stated that the group is willing to resume intensive negotiations immediately to reach a final agreement. He outlined a potential framework that includes:
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A long-term truce to end the war
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The exchange of prisoners
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The release of remaining Israeli captives
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A transition of authority in Gaza to an independent technocratic government
Alexander’s Family Speaks Out: A Beacon of Hope for 59 Remaining Captives
The family of Edan Alexander, who is the last known U.S. citizen held hostage in Gaza, expressed relief and hope that his release could be a turning point for the remaining 59 captives, only 21 of whom are believed to still be alive.
“We pray this act of humanity sparks a wider deal that brings everyone home,” said a family spokesperson.
In Israel, pressure has been mounting on the Netanyahu government to prioritize the return of hostages through negotiations. However, the Prime Minister continues to face opposition from hardliners in his coalition who insist the war should not be paused until Hamas is militarily defeated.
Netanyahu Signals Full Conquest of Gaza is Imminent
Just last week, Netanyahu announced that Israel plans a total military conquest of Gaza, escalating from localized strikes to a full-scale ground and air campaign. Sources within the Israeli defense establishment confirmed that the timing of this intensified campaign is linked to President Trump’s upcoming regional tour. Military escalation is expected to begin after Trump concludes his diplomatic meetings.
In the statement released Monday, Netanyahu reiterated:
“Only relentless military pressure has brought about progress. This pressure must continue.”
Civilian Deaths Mount in Gaza as Bombing Persists
As Israel maintains its aggressive military posture, the humanitarian toll in Gaza continues to rise. The Gaza Civil Defence agency reported that at least 10 civilians, including women and children, were killed in an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Fatima Bint Asad School in the densely populated Jabalia refugee camp. The school was serving as a shelter for over 2,000 displaced Palestinians.
“Dozens of wounded were also transported from the site, which was hit without warning,” said Civil Defence spokesperson Mahmoud Basal.
The incident follows a string of similar attacks on civilian infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, where over 52,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict began, according to updated figures from UNRWA and the Gaza Health Ministry.
In addition to Jabalia, Israeli forces struck multiple areas, including:
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Gaza City in the north
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Rafah in the south
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Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza
These locations are known to house both civilian refugees and Hamas military infrastructure, making them frequent targets of Israeli raids.
International Reaction: US, Qatar, and Egypt Push for Truce
The United States, through President Trump’s administration, welcomed the release of Edan Alexander but did not confirm whether it was involved in securing the pause in fighting. U.S. officials have continued to advocate for humanitarian corridors and ceasefire negotiations.
Meanwhile, Qatar and Egypt—the two leading Arab mediators—have stated that the release is a “hopeful step” and have encouraged both sides to re-enter structured ceasefire talks. Diplomatic sources suggest that a multi-phase plan is under consideration that may lead to:
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The release of more hostages
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A humanitarian ceasefire
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The beginning of talks for post-conflict reconstruction in Gaza
Outlook: Can One Release Lead to a Lasting Truce?
Despite the release of Edan Alexander, the broader situation in Gaza remains tense and highly volatile. Netanyahu’s government is determined to continue military operations unless a deal meets all of Israel’s security and strategic objectives, including:
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The dismantling of Hamas
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The safe return of all hostages
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The prevention of any future attacks on Israeli territory
On the other hand, Hamas sees the release as a diplomatic gesture and is now pressuring international mediators to broker a ceasefire that would include Israeli prisoner releases and a possible power-sharing transition in Gaza.
With global humanitarian agencies warning of a deepening crisis, and with international attention focused on Trump’s Middle East visit, the next few days could be pivotal in determining whether a wider ceasefire can be reached—or if full-scale war will resume in Gaza.
