Trump hails release of US-Israeli hostage

Ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East, his administration confirmed on Monday that Palestinian militant group Hamas had released a US-Israeli hostage, saying the move was taken "in good faith" to end the conflict in Gaza.

Trump, who is due in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, hailed the "monumental news" of Edan Alexander's release in a post on social media, describing it as a "good faith gesture".

"Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict," he added.

Mediators Qatar and Egypt also welcomed the development, describing it in a joint statement as "a gesture of goodwill and an encouraging step toward a return to the negotiating table".

On Monday, Hamas' armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, said it had "decided to release the Zionist soldier holding American citizenship, Edan Alexander, today", spokesman Abu Obeida said on the Telegram messaging app.

Fighting will pause to allow for Alexander's safe passage, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

The pause offered a much-needed respite for residents of the war-battered territory.

Somaya Abu al-Kas, who had been displaced to the southern city of Khan Younis, said that "a little while ago, calm settled over Gaza, there was no shelling, and no nearby aircraft, which is very rare".

"We are tired of the shelling, and any ceasefire, even if temporary, we consider it an opportunity to breathe and gather ourselves," said the 34-year-old.

However, Israeli forces would continue recently announced preparations to step up operations in Gaza, Netanyahu said.

"Israel has not committed to a ceasefire of any kind," his office said. "The negotiations will continue under fire, during preparations for an intensification of the fighting."

Further, Alexander was handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross and taken to Israel later, where he will be reunited with his family.

'Great positivity'

Earlier, senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya, who heads the group's negotiating team, said Hamas had been in contact with the US in recent days and had shown "great positivity "toward mediation efforts.

"As part of efforts to achieve a ceasefire, open crossings, and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, the movement will release Edan Alexander," Hayya said.

Alexander's family urged Israel to secure the release of all remaining captives "without delay" and that no hostage must be left behind.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum campaign group demanded more from the Israeli government.

They urged the government to "make the historic right decision and end the nightmare Israeli citizens have been living for 584 days".

"We must not leave anyone behind!" it said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa met German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Ramallah, West Bank, on Sunday.

Mustafa said ending the Israeli occupation and ensuring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent State of Palestine, were the only path to achieving peace and stability in the region.

Wadephul said Gaza "is part of the Palestinian Territories" and called for a political solution for its reconstruction.

However, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East said the humanitarian crisis in Gaza "is beyond imagination".

"Airstrikes, blockades, and starvation continue, with tens of thousands killed and injured. Displaced families face collapsing infrastructure, sewage overflows, and empty markets," it said on X.

"The siege must be lifted to ensure vital humanitarian and commercial supplies reach Gaza."

Global hunger monitor Integrated Food Security Phase Classification said in its latest findings that Gaza's entire population continues to face a critical risk of famine, while 500,000 people face starvation.

The report analyzed a period from April 1 to May 10 and gave projections of the situation until the end of September.

Xinhua and agencies contributed to this story.

jan@chinadailyapac.com