• Hamas released Edan Alexander, the last living US hostage held in Gaza, amid military escalations.
• Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu vows to continue military operations "with full force" to defeat Hamas.
• The release follows complex negotiations involving US mediators and highlights potential rifts between Trump and Netanyahu.
• Netanyahu and Trump discuss future steps, including negotiations for additional hostages.
• Critics warn that continued violence threatens any prospects for a broader ceasefire.

On May 12, 2025, Hamas released Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American soldier, after over 19 months of captivity, in what was described as a goodwill gesture aimed at facilitating negotiations with the US. Alexander was handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza before being transferred to Israeli authorities. This release occurred just as US President Donald Trump is set to visit the Middle East, underscoring the geopolitical complexities surrounding the hostage situation, according to Channel News Asia and Los Angeles Times.

In the aftermath of Alexander's release, which has been seen as a significant point in US-Hamas relations, Israeli officials reported that they would not halt military operations to secure the return of other hostages. Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized the need to escalate military pressure on Hamas, stating, "In the very coming days, we are going in with full force to complete the operation," according to South China Morning Post and Channel News Asia.

Despite the goodwill gesture, Netanyahu's government remains firm on its military objectives, insisting that any ceasefire would be temporary. As violence continues, with Israeli airstrikes reported to have struck hospitals and civilian infrastructure, humanitarian concerns continue to deepen. The World Health Organization reported severe malnutrition rates among Gaza's children due to blocked aid, highlighting the dire conditions facing the civilian population, according to Jakarta Post and Al Jazeera.

As negotiations continue, the future of hostages and the possibility of a ceasefire remain uncertain. The Israeli delegation is expected to head to Qatar to discuss further potential agreements regarding hostages and a lasting peace solution, although Netanyahu’s insistence on a military-first approach could complicate any diplomatic efforts, as noted by Newsweek and BBC.