Israel to Continue Military Operations in Gaza Despite Hamas’s Commitment to Release a Hostage

The United States stated that the release of the Israeli-American hostage Idan Alexander by Hamas would lead to negotiations for the release of other hostages, according to an announcement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu late Sunday (11.05.2025). However, the announcement emphasized that military operations in the Gaza Strip will continue, and any negotiations will take place “under fire… until all military objectives” of Israel are achieved. According to information Israel received from Washington, Hamas intends to release Alexander as a gesture toward the Americans without setting conditions. A source familiar with the matter told Reuters that Alexander is expected to be released on Tuesday, May 13th. His family has already been informed about the impending release. Hamas announced tonight that it will release the Israeli-American hostage Idan Alexander, 21 years old, who has been held in the Gaza Strip since October 2023. Alexander is the only one among the hostages still held by the organization who also holds American citizenship. His release is part of efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave and allow humanitarian aid entry, added Hamas. Earlier, a member of the organization, who requested anonymity, said that Hamas and the U.S. had direct talks in Doha concerning the truce in Gaza, the prisoner exchange (Israeli hostages for detained Palestinians), and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Another representative of the organization said that “progress was made” on all issues, especially regarding Idan Alexander and the ceasefire.