On Monday, Hamas’s armed wing Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigade said it had “decided to release Zionist soldiers holding U.S. citizenship.”
Netanyahu had earlier said: “Israel has not promised to stop production of any form or release of terrorists, but has only promised to allow the release of the security corridor in Itan”.
Netanyahu added that negotiations on possible agreements to ensure that all hostages are released will continue to be “shocked during the fight strengthening”.
An Israeli official said the military was preparing for Alexander’s return and he would be transferred by a special force to the initial reception facility in Rem near the Gaza border in southern Israel.
A source close to the radical group told AFP on Monday that Hamas has decided not to hold a public ceremony for the exchange.
Meanwhile, Hamas sources said mediators told the group that Israel would stop military operations in order to hand over the 21-year-old soldier.
“Hamas was told that just at 9:30 a.m., Israel began to stop its reconnaissance, drone and fighter flights, as well as combat operations to create a safe corridor for transfer and handover of Edan,” the source said.
The suspension provides much-needed respite for the residents of war territory.
“It was very rare to settle in Gaza recently, without shelling and no nearby planes,” said Somaya Abu al-Kas, a 34-year-old who was displaced from the southern city of Khan Yunis.
“We are tired of shelling and any ceasefires, and even for the time being, we think it’s an opportunity to breathe and collect ourselves,” the 34-year-old said.
But Um Mohammed Zomlot, who was also displaced in Khan Yunis, said: “Although it’s calm, we’re still cautious.”
“Everyone is worried that prisoners may suddenly resume shelling after they are released,” said Zomlot, 50.
Gaza’s civil defense agency earlier reported that at least 10 strikes against a displaced person during an overnight Israel strike.
– “Integrity posture” –
The Hostages and Missing Family Forum is the largest group of Israel’s hostage relatives, calling for gatherings in Tel Aviv’s square before Alexander’s expectations were released.
“We can’t leave anyone behind!” the organization said in a statement.
Trump, who will be held in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, praised Alexander’s “commemorative news” in a social media article and described it as “a sincere gesture.”
“Hopefully this is the last step needed to end this brutal conflict,” he added.
Egypt and Qatar, together with the United States, mediated talks between Hamas and Israel, also welcomed the development and described it as a “a gesture of goodwill and an encouraging step towards a return to the negotiating table”.
Earlier, two Hamas officials told AFP that negotiations were held in Doha and reported the “progress”.
In the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, 58 of the 251 hostages suffered in Hamas are still in Gaza, including 34 of the Israeli military said they were dead.
Israel ended a two-month ceasefire on March 18, exacerbating bombing of the territory.
Earlier this month, the Israeli government approved plans to expand the Gaza offensive, where officials talk about retaining their long-term existence.
According to official figures, Hamas’ 2023 attack on southern Israel killed 1,218 people, mainly civilians.
Hamas – The Ministry of Health, which runs Gaza, said on Monday that at least 2,749 people have been killed since Israel resumed its campaign, causing an overall death toll since the war broke out.
