The al Qassam Brigades decides to release Idan Alexander on Monday
The Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, decided to release Israeli soldier Idan Alexander, who holds US citizenship, on Monday.
“The al Qassam Brigades has decided to release the captive Israeli soldier, Idan Alexander, who holds American citizenship, today, Monday, May 12, 2025,” it said in a statement.
Hamas announced Sunday evening its intention to release Israeli soldier Idan Alexander, a US citizen, following contacts with the US administration over the past few days as part of efforts to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and allow the entry of humanitarian aid.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said on Monday that Tel Aviv is committed only to providing a safe passage for the release of Israeli soldier Idan Alexander, who holds US citizenship, from Gaza, and nothing else.
Netanyahu’s office continued in a statement, “The expected release of Israeli soldier Edan Alexander without any compensation will be possible thanks to the firm policy we have pursued with the support of President Trump, and thanks to the military pressure exerted by IDF soldiers in the Gaza Strip”.
The statement added, “Israel didn’t commit to a ceasefire in any way” or to the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, but “only committed to a safe passage that would allow for Idan’s release”.
Netanyahu’s office statement continued, “We’re going through critical days, as Hamas has been offered a deal that would enable the release of our hostages… Negotiations will continue under fire, amid preparations for an escalation of the fighting”.
