Israel maintains military pressure in Gaza despite imminent release of US-Israeli captive

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that military operations in Gaza will continue and even intensify, despite the anticipated release of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander by Hamas.

Netanyahu emphasised that Israel has not agreed to a ceasefire or prisoner exchange as part of this release, affirming that negotiations with Hamas will proceed “under fire.”

In a statement released on Monday, the Prime Minister’s office clarified that Israel’s only concession was to facilitate the safe transfer of Alexander, who is the last known U.S. citizen held in Gaza. “Israel has not committed to a ceasefire of any kind,” the statement said, underscoring that ongoing military pressure contributed to Hamas’s decision to free the soldier.

Despite Israel’s stance, a Hamas source told AFP that mediators had indicated a temporary halt in Israeli military activity to allow for the handover. Hamas has characterised the move as a goodwill gesture toward U.S. President Donald Trump, who is expected to visit the region soon.

Hamas announced Alexander’s release as imminent and expressed willingness to begin “intensive negotiations” aimed at securing a long-term truce. The proposed deal would involve the end of hostilities, the release of Palestinian prisoners, the return of remaining Israeli captives, and the transition of governance in Gaza to an independent technocratic authority.

The family of Edan Alexander expressed hope that his release could pave the way for the return of the remaining 59 hostages, of whom only 21 are believed to be alive. Across Israel, families of captives and their supporters continue to urge the government to pursue negotiations for their release. However, Netanyahu faces mounting pressure from right-wing members of his cabinet who oppose any halt to the military campaign.

Netanyahu recently announced plans for a comprehensive military offensive aimed at taking full control of Gaza. According to Israeli officials, the major escalation will not begin until after President Trump’s Middle East visit concludes.

Meanwhile, Israeli bombardment across Gaza continues unabated. On Monday, Gaza’s Civil Defence agency reported a deadly airstrike on a school in Jabalia, which was sheltering over 2,000 displaced residents. At least 10 people, including women and children, were killed, with many more injured.

Israeli air attacks also targeted multiple locations throughout the Gaza Strip, including Gaza City, Rafah in the south, and the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.