Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. File | Photo Credit: Reuters

Israel says not committed to Hamas ceasefire, only to safe corridor for U.S. hostage release

Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu denies ceasefire with Hamas, agrees to safe corridor for hostage release; ongoing negotiations amid tensions

by · The Hindu

Israel has not agreed to any ceasefire or release of prisoners with Hamas, but only to a safe corridor to allow the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday (May 12, 2025) .

Israel was informed a day earlier of Hamas' decision to release Alexander, the last surviving the U.S. hostage, as a goodwill gesture towards President Donald Trump after four-way talks between Hamas, the United States, Egypt and Qatar.

The release, which could come as early as Monday (May 12, 2025), could open the way to freeing the rest of the 59 hostages still held in Gaza, but Mr. Netanyahusaid Israeli forces would continue recently announced preparations to step up operations there.

Varda Ben Baruch, grandmother of hostage Edan Alexander, points at the portrait of Edan, as family members and supporters of hostages who were kidnapped during the deadly October 7 attack, stand near the Kibbutz defense to call their captive loved ones over the border between Israel and Gaza, at Kibbutz Nir Oz, in southern Israel on April 20, 2025. | Photo Credit: Reuters

"The negotiations will continue under fire, during preparations for an intensification of the fighting," his office said in a statement.

On Sunday (May 12, 2025), Hamas said it had been talking with the United States and had agreed to release Alexander, a move key Arab mediators Qatar and Egypt called an encouraging step towards a return to ceasefire talks in the war-torn enclave.

The talks came shortly before Mr. Trumpis set to leave for a visit to the Gulf that will not include a stop in Israel.

U.S. officials have tried to calm fears in Israel of a growing distance between Israel and Mr. Trump, who last week announced an end to a U.S. campaign against the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, who have continued to fire missiles at Israel.

Families of the hostages and their supporters in Israel have pressed the government to reach a deal to secure the release of those still held in Gaza but Mr. Netanyahuhas faced heavy pressure from hardliners in his cabinet not to end the war.

Last week, he announced plans to step up the operation in Gaza, which officials said could be seized entirely by Israeli forces.

Published - May 12, 2025 04:34 pm IST