The Israeli military has indicated that it will resume operations in the Gaza Strip upon the arrival of Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American soldier recently released from captivity. According to Channel 14, a senior Israeli military official stated that military actions would continue unless countermanded by political leadership once Alexander is safely on Israeli soil.
Alexander, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen and a member of an elite infantry unit, was released following negotiations between Hamas and the United States, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, without Israeli involvement. The Israeli army confirmed that the Red Cross had notified them of Alexander’s transfer, and he was en route to Israeli forces.
Hamas acknowledged the release, stating it occurred as part of ceasefire discussions with Washington. Concurrently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that a delegation would travel to Doha, with negotiations occurring “under fire,” signaling continued military engagement in Gaza.
The decision followed consultations with U.S. officials, including Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, and a phone call with President Trump. Netanyahu and Witkoff agreed that the Israeli delegation would remain in Doha through Trump’s visit to the region, scheduled for May 13–16, including stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
Israel reports that 58 of its nationals remain held in Gaza, 21 of whom are believed to be alive. Meanwhile, over 9,900 Palestinians are detained in Israeli prisons, where reports allege mistreatment, including torture and medical neglect, resulting in several deaths.
Since October 2023, nearly 52,900 Palestinians—primarily women and children—have been killed during Israel’s military campaign. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice concerning its actions in Gaza.