Hamas Releases U.S.-Israeli Soldier Edan Alexander as Gaza Endures Bombardment and Famine Threat
Gaza Strip | May 12, 2025 — Hamas has released Edan Alexander, a dual United States-Israeli national and soldier, in what it called a goodwill gesture aimed at renewing ceasefire negotiations. The move comes amid escalating Israeli bombardment, a 71-day aid blockade, and growing fears of mass starvation in the besieged Gaza Strip.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed it facilitated Alexander’s handover on Monday. A photo shared online showed the soldier with Hamas members and a Red Cross official before being transferred.
Hamas linked the release to the visit of former U.S. President Donald Trump to Gulf nations, with Trump celebrating the development on Truth Social:
“Edan Alexander, American hostage thought dead, to be released by Hamas. Great news!”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Alexander’s return, affirming the government’s commitment to bringing home all captives. However, no reciprocal actions—such as the release of Palestinian prisoners or a ceasefire—have been announced.
Despite the momentary pause in fighting to facilitate the release, Israeli airstrikes resumed quickly. Netanyahu’s office emphasized that “negotiations will only happen under fire,” maintaining the stance of continued military pressure on Hamas.
Public Reaction and Political Fallout
The release has generated mixed emotions across Israel. Political analyst Akiva Eldar noted public frustration with Netanyahu, saying Trump’s influence secured what Israel’s own leadership has failed to achieve:
“If you want your sons back at home, you need a leader like Trump, not Netanyahu.”
Netanyahu, facing increasing domestic pressure, met with U.S. officials, including envoy Steve Witkoff and Ambassador Mike Huckabee, in a bid to restart hostage negotiations ahead of a planned delegation trip to Doha on Tuesday.
Palestinians Still Suffering as Gaza Teeters on Famine
While Alexander’s release brought a moment of relief for one family, conditions in Gaza continue to worsen. Reporting from Deir el-Balah, Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary described a dire humanitarian scene:
“Palestinian families are unable to feed their children… their kids are going to bed hungry.”
According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), 93% of Gaza’s population is experiencing acute food insecurity, with half a million people on the brink of famine.
UNICEF Director Catherine Russell warned that “hunger is now a daily reality” for Gaza’s children, while World Food Programme head Cindy McCain urged immediate international action:
“Families in Gaza are starving while the food they need is sitting at the border.”
Despite this, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir reiterated calls to continue the war and block humanitarian aid, aligning with Netanyahu’s hardline coalition.
No End in Sight
The Israeli government has made it clear that the release of Edan Alexander does not signal a shift in strategy. Bombardments resumed immediately, including an airstrike on a school-turned-shelter that reportedly killed 15 civilians.
Critics argue that the release was the result of direct U.S. negotiations rather than Israeli military strategy. Still, Netanyahu’s office maintains that “military pressure works,” vowing that operations will not cease.
With famine looming and negotiations stalled, Gaza remains a humanitarian disaster zone, and hopes for a wider ceasefire continue to fade.
