Despite the release of prisoner soldier from Gaza, Israel claimed it would not promise a ceasefire or a prisoner swap.
Despite the release of prisoner soldier from Gaza, Israel claimed it would not promise a ceasefire or a prisoner swap.
Although Hamas reached an agreement with the U.S. administration to release the U.S.-Israeli dual citizen prisoner soldier Idan Alexander from the Gaza Strip, the Israeli Prime Minister's office argued that it "did not promise any ceasefire or mutual prisoner swap."
In a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's office, it was asserted that Alexander’s "unconditional" release was a result of "the diligent politics they pursued with the support of U.S. President Donald Trump and the military pressure Israel’s forces imposed in Gaza."
The statement included the expression: "Israel did not promise any ceasefire or prisoner swap; it only agreed to provide a safe corridor for Alexander’s release."
It was noted that "critical days" were ahead for the release of other prisoners by Hamas, and negotiations were taking place "under fire and with preparations to intensify attacks in the coming days."
In contrast, Israel's Channel 12 reported that the military had ordered a ceasefire at 12:00 (local time) for the soldier that Hamas would release from Gaza.
Hamas’s military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, also made a statement on the matter.
Spokesperson Abu Obaida of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades stated, "The Brigades decided to release the Zionist prisoner Idan Alexander, who holds U.S. citizenship, on May 12, 2025."
Despite the expected temporary ceasefire for the release of the prisoner, Israeli attacks continue in Gaza.
Israeli state television KAN reported that airstrikes had been carried out on Gaza City in the northern Gaza Strip and Rafah in the south.
It was reported that Israeli drones opened heavy fire on a group of Palestinians who were trying to return to their homes in the northern part of Rafah in the south of Gaza.
An Israeli military helicopter was also said to have opened fire on areas east of Gaza City.
Families of Israeli prisoners: The decision to release the soldier has increased pressure on Netanyahu.
In a statement from the umbrella platform established by the families of Israeli prisoners, it was emphasized that Netanyahu was facing a test of his commitment to his citizens following the announcement that Hamas would release the dual citizen prisoner.
In the statement, which indirectly referred to U.S. President Donald Trump, it was said, "The expected release of Idan demonstrates the commitment of a determined leader to his citizens."
Following the release of the U.S.-Israeli dual citizen prisoner, Netanyahu was urged to take steps toward negotiations, using the opportunity to act regarding the release of the 58 Israeli prisoners held in Gaza.
In the statement from the families of Israeli prisoners, they asked Netanyahu, "What commitment have you made regarding the 58 Israeli prisoners held in Gaza? Will you continue playing for time, avoiding responsibility, and preventing the possibility of recovering the remains of those killed, at the expense of tearing apart Israeli society, causing serious harm to prisoners, and writing history by bringing them all back, or will you allow Israeli society to heal?"
Relatives of Israeli prisoners and the opposition have frequently staged protests, accusing Netanyahu of abandoning the Israeli prisoners held in Gaza.
Hamas had announced that, following its talks with the U.S. administration, the release of U.S.-Israeli dual citizen prisoner soldier Idan Alexander would serve as "the first step for ensuring a ceasefire, opening entry points into Gaza, and allowing the delivery of humanitarian aid."
The U.S.-Israeli dual citizen Alexander, held in Gaza, will be the first male prisoner soldier released by Hamas.