As tensions increase in US-Israeli relations, news has emerged that Israeli-American hostage Aiden Alexander is likely to be released by Hamas in Gaza today.
According to BBC News, 21-year-old Aiden Alexander was serving in an elite infantry unit on the Gaza border when he was taken hostage during the attack on October 7, 2023.
Israel says there will be a ‘safe corridor’ in Gaza for Alexander’s release, but it has not promised a ceasefire.
President Donald Trump, who begins a Middle East tour on Tuesday, has described Alexander’s planned release as “monumental news”.
A senior Palestinian official told the BBC that Hamas’ announcement was made as a goodwill gesture ahead of Trump’s arrival. Hamas also says the release is intended to facilitate an aid deal, with Gaza under an Israeli blockade for more than two months.
Israel unaware of Trump-Hamas contacts
The BBC says local media reports that Israel was unaware that direct contact was taking place between US and Hamas officials until the deal was reached over the expected release of Aden Alexander.
There have been growing signs of strain in relations between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recent weeks, with Trump seeking to end the threat of Iran developing nuclear weapons through negotiations, while Netanyahu prefers military action.
Washington continues to press for a new ceasefire and hostage release deal on Gaza, while Israel’s security cabinet has approved a major offensive on Gaza.
On Sunday, NBC News reported, citing US sources, that President Trump had privately described Israel’s strategy as a “futile effort” and against “its own reconstruction plan.”
Israel refuses to halt bombing over US hostage release
Al Jazeera reported that Israel has refused to halt bombing on Gaza, ruling out a ceasefire during the release of Aden Alexander.
Israel says it has not agreed to any kind of ceasefire for the release of Aden Alexander, an American-Israeli prisoner held by Hamas, but will provide “safe passage” to facilitate the release.
Hamas says the release of the American-Israeli hostage will take place today.
17 Palestinians martyred in Gaza
The Israeli army continues to bombard Gaza, resulting in the martyrdom of at least 17 Palestinians in a shelter set up in a school, while the total siege of the Gaza Strip has entered its 71st day.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 52,862 Palestinians have been martyred and 119,648 injured as a result of Israel’s war on Gaza.
The government’s media office put the number of martyrs at more than 61,700 and said that thousands of people are missing under the rubble, who are considered dead.
On October 7, 2023, 1,139 people were killed in Hamas attacks in Israel, and more than 200 were taken hostage.
The entire population of Gaza is at risk of famine
According to Al Jazeera, the entire population of Gaza is at risk of famine, with 500,000 people facing hunger.
A global hunger monitoring agency said the food security stage classification shows that the results indicate a major deterioration since the last assessment in October 2024.
The latest report analyzed the period from April 1 to May 10, 2025 and projected the situation up to September 2025, according to a summary of key findings.
