Tel Aviv/Gaza City — Israel has ramped up military operations in Gaza and vowed that no ceasefire will be implemented to allow for the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander as announced by Hamas as a goodwill gesture. Reuters + Axios Edan Alexander, 21, a dual citizen from New Jersey serving in Israel Defense Forces (IDF), was captured in Hamas’ attack on October 7th 2023 and will likely be released within 48 hours following negotiations between Hamas officials and U.S. representatives through Egypt and Qatar mediated negotiations; President Donald Trump confirmed it as positive step toward wider ceasefire efforts; JNS.org +4 New York Post +4 Politico +2 Its Wall Street Journal (+2) NPR. Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his insistence that while Israel will create a safe corridor to facilitate Alexander’s release, they have not agreed to any ceasefire or prisoner exchange arrangements. According to Prime Minister’s Office statement: “Israel has not committed to any ceasefire of any kind or release of terrorists; only to creating a safe corridor that will enable Edan’s release,” according to reports in Jerusalem Post and Cadena SER. Recent airstrikes by Israel Defense Forces in Gaza reportedly killed at least 17 individuals at a school-turned-shelter, further exacerbating humanitarian concerns in the area. Meanwhile, ongoing blockades of Gaza has reached their 71st day exacerbated humanitarian crises throughout. Al Jazeera reported that Hamas has announced Alexander’s release as part of their effort to establish a ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza. They expressed readiness to enter intensive negotiations that lead to a permanent solution, including prisoner exchange or governance solutions for Gaza. Politico +4 WsJ +4 Axios both reported this development. Israeli officials remain firm in their position despite Edan Alexander’s impending release, crediting this development to sustained military pressure. According to Prime Minister’s Office statements: The release will come about thanks to our rigorous policy pursued with President Trump’s backing, along with military pressure exerted by IDF soldiers stationed in Gaza Strip.” (JNS.org; WSJ + 6; Jerusalem Post and Cadena Ser) As events unfold, the international community closely watches, hoping that Alexander’s release may open the way to renewed negotiations and peace in the region.
