Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip Khalil al-Haya made a surprise announcement, saying the group would release 21-year-old Israeli soldier Idan Alexander, a U.S. citizen, unconditionally. The move, al-Haya said, was the result of negotiations with the U.S. side and was being presented as a gesture of goodwill. The release is scheduled for May 12 at noon local time, according to information published by The New York Times. The announcement has caused a stir, raising questions about the prospects for de-escalation in the region, where fierce fighting continues.

Idan Alexander, who was captured during the escalation of the conflict in the Gaza Strip, has become a key figure in the negotiations, given his dual citizenship. According to Reuters, his release was discussed in closed consultations between Hamas representatives and US special envoy Steven Witkoff, whose settlement plan had previously received preliminary approval from the parties. Diplomatic sources cited by Al Jazeera indicate that Hamas' decision may be linked to a desire to demonstrate its readiness for dialogue amid growing international pressure. However, al-Haya's statement did not specify whether steps would follow to release other hostages.

Israel's reaction was muted. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed Tel Aviv's readiness to resume negotiations based on the Witkoff plan, but stressed that military operations in the Gaza Strip would continue. According to The Times of Israel, Israeli authorities view Alexander's release as a tactical move by Hamas aimed at easing criticism from the international community. As of May 2025, according to UN data, more than 41 people have died as a result of Israeli strikes in Gaza, making the region one of the most acute humanitarian crises.

In the United States, Hamas's statement has received a positive response. Commenting on the news, President Donald Trump called Alexander's release "a step in good faith" and expressed hope that it would be a starting point for ending the conflict. According to CNN, the Trump administration has stepped up diplomatic efforts in the region in an effort to achieve a sustainable ceasefire. However, analysts interviewed by The Washington Post note that Hamas's unilateral gesture is unlikely to lead to immediate de-escalation, given Israel's intransigent stance and the difficulty of negotiating other hostages.