Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, 21, released by Hamas on Monday during a temporary pause on Israeli attacks, has left Gaza. However, Israeli airstrikes resumed shortly after, leaving several Palestinians dead and dozens wounded.
Alexander, held captive for 19 months since October 2023, was handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross and reunited with his family in Israel.
His release, described as a "goodwill gesture" by Hamas to US President Donald Trump, came after four-way talks involving Hamas, the US, Qatar, and Egypt.
Despite the brief halt in military attacks, Israel insisted there was no ceasefire in place.
Palestinian health officials reported renewed Israeli attacks shortly after Alexander’s handover, including an airstrike on a shelter in Khan Younis that killed three people, and tank fire on a school in northern Gaza that killed a woman and wounded others.
Humanitarian agencies have warned of catastrophic hunger, with half a million people in Gaza now facing starvation.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification said famine could become widespread by September if conditions persist.
Israel’s military claims it resumed strikes to target Hamas fighters allegedly preparing attacks, but the heavy toll on civilians has drawn increasing international criticism.
Critics say the focus on high-profile hostage releases, particularly those with foreign ties, reveals double standards in Israel's approach.
While Alexander’s family thanked President Trump and negotiator Steve Witkoff, relatives of other hostages urged leaders not to abandon efforts.
“Bring them all home,” said families of remaining captives.
These development comes as Israeli forces bombed the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, killing journalist Hassan Eslaih, just a day after deadly strikes across Gaza claimed the lives of at least 39 people.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged an end to Israel’s blockade of Gaza, following warnings from the world’s leading hunger monitor that the entire population of the enclave is at risk of famine and humanitarian crisis.
At least 52,862 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s genocidal war since October 2023, the Health Ministry said on Monday.
A ministry statement said that 33 people were killed in Israeli attacks in the enclave in the last 24 hours, while 94 others were injured, taking the number of injuries to 119,648 in the Israeli onslaught.
The Israeli army resumed its assaults on the Gaza Strip on March 18 and has since killed 2,749 people and injured over 7,600 others, shattering a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement that took hold in January.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ