On Monday, Israeli government spokesman David Mensah addressed reporters regarding the anticipated release of American and Israeli hostage Edan Alexander by Hamas in Gaza.
Mensah noted that while Hamas presented the release as a gesture of “good intention,” they still dismissed the framework proposed by special envoy Stephen Witkoff, which aimed to secure the freedom of all hostages.
His comments echoed those of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who commended the ongoing military pressure exerted by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza on Sunday evening and highlighted the diplomatic efforts of the Trump administration.
Netanyahu clarified in a statement that Israel had not agreed to a ceasefire in exchange for the release and that Hamas was compelled to hand over Alexander due to military pressure.
Earlier, Israel announced intentions to occupy Gaza fully to eliminate Hamas in an operation named “Gideon’s Tanks,” unless Hamas released all Israeli hostages by the conclusion of US President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East, scheduled from Tuesday to Friday.
Trump’s trip includes stops in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, but will not include Israel.
Concerns linger among Israelis and their supporters that the Trump administration, especially through Witkoff, may make excessive concessions to broker a deal with Hamas and Iran.
Mensah reported that 856 Israeli soldiers have died in the ongoing conflict since October 7, 2023, struggling visibly to continue his briefing after mentioning the death of Sgt. Yishai Elyakim Urbach, 20, who was killed in a recent battle in Gaza and whom he knew personally.
