Netanyahu rejects Gaza ceasefire in exchange for US-Israeli captive
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Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says the expected release of US-Israeli captive Edan Alexander will not lead to a Gaza ceasefire, as US envoy Steve Witkoff criticizes "Israel's" war strategy.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the annual ceremony on the eve of "Israel's" so-called Remembrance Day at the Yad LaBanim Memorial in occupied al-Quds, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 (Pool Photo via AP)
The anticipated release of a US-Israeli captive by Hamas would not lead to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip or the release of Palestinian prisoners, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Monday.
Negotiations for a broader deal to secure the release of all Israeli captives in Gaza would proceed, Netanyahu stated, but would do so “under fire, during preparations for an intensification of the fighting,” according to a statement issued by his office.
Netanyahu claims Edan Alexander’s release achieved through 'military pressure'
Hamas announced on Sunday that it would release Edan Alexander, a US-Israeli soldier held in Gaza, as it confirmed direct talks with the United States toward a potential ceasefire in the war-torn Palestinian territory.
Abu Obaida, the spokesperson of Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades, confirmed that the group has decided to release the 21-year-old Israeli soldier on Monday, without providing further details concerning the process.
Conflict over Alexander's release date
Earlier, Israeli journalist Yaron Avraham confirmed that the Israeli government and army do not know when Hamas will release Alexander," adding that "he is likely to be released today, but there are no final confirmations."
Haaretz reported this morning that Idan's release would take place at 8:00 pm, while other media outlets had previously reported that his release would take place at noon today, as the Israeli Army has been informed to cease fire by that time.
Meanwhile, Israeli sources told Channel 14 that the exact date has not yet been determined and that work is still underway with the Red Cross and mediators regarding coordination and establishing a safe corridor through which he will be released.
Trump hails Hamas move as 'good faith gesture'
US President Donald Trump hailed Hamas' announcement of its intention to release the American-Israeli captive as a "good faith gesture," expressing hope for an end to the "brutal conflict" in Gaza.
But Netanyahu emphasized that “Israel has not committed to a ceasefire of any kind or the release of terrorists but only to a safe corridor that will allow for the release of Edan."
He claimed that the promise of Alexander's release had been achieved through “military pressure” in the Gaza Strip.
"We are in the midst of critical days in which Hamas has been presented with a deal that would enable the release of our hostages," the Israeli premier added.
US envoy criticizes Israeli approach to Gaza war, pushes for ceasefire deal
On the other hand, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff has reportedly expressed disagreement with "Israel’s" handling of the war on the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that a new Gaza ceasefire deal and prisoner release agreement should be the next step forward.
The remarks, reported on Sunday, highlight growing tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv as diplomatic efforts continue.
Witkoff critical of Israeli war strategy
According to Israeli media outlet Channel 12, Witkoff met with families of captives held in Gaza and voiced concern over "Israel’s" reluctance to end the war. He reportedly said, “The US wants to return the hostages, but Israel is not ready to end the war.”
“Israel is prolonging the war, even though we do not see where further progress can be made,” Witkoff reportedly added, according to attendees cited in the report.
He also emphasized a diplomatic window, saying, “There is currently a window of opportunity that we hope Israel and all the mediators will take advantage of. We are putting pressure on all the mediators and doing everything to return the hostages.”
The report noted that families present said they had not previously heard this level of criticism from the US envoy regarding Israeli policy.
Israeli officials warn of renewed ground operation
Despite Witkoff’s remarks, unnamed senior Israeli officials issued a stern warning, saying, “If there are no agreements by the end of [US President Donald] Trump’s visit to the Middle East, Israel will launch a ground operation and it will take several weeks until the next ‘exit point'."
"Once we have begun the intensified operation, we won’t agree to quickly halt it. Hamas will not determine the timeline,” the officials cautioned.
Nonetheless, those same officials acknowledged that “a window of opportunity” exists and urged that mediators emphasize this to Hamas.
Ongoing negotiations involving Qatar, Egypt
Witkoff continues to be involved in ongoing negotiations with Hamas, Qatar, Egypt, and "Israel" in efforts to secure a prisoner deal and a longer-term period of calm. According to Walla news, talks were underway Sunday night as the US envoy tried to establish a framework for an agreement within the week.
Channel 12 also reported that "Israel" is considering several proposals, including a so-called “watered-down Witkoff proposal.” The offer, described as more of an Israeli initiative than a US one, would involve releasing approximately half of the living captives in exchange for an extended truce, followed by the release of the remaining captives and an end to the war.
Ongoing talks between Hamas, US in Doha
Earlier, two Hamas officials told AFP that discussions were taking place in the Qatari capital, Doha, with US representatives. The officials reported that “progress” had been made in the talks regarding a possible ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
According to Israeli military estimates, the Palestinian Resistance in Gaza currently holds 58 captives since October 7, 2023, including 34 who are believed to be dead.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continued across the Gaza Strip. Gaza's Civil Defence agency reported that at least 10 people were killed in an overnight airstrike targeting a school sheltering displaced residents.
“At least 10 (dead), including several women and children, as well as dozens of wounded, were transported following an Israeli airstrike on the Fatima Bint Asad school, which is home to more than 2,000 displaced people in the city of Jabalia,” Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmud Bassal told AFP.
Later, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported that the number of Palestinians killed in the massacre committed by the Israeli forces has risen to 16.
