US citizen released from captivity in Gaza: will this ease diplomatic tensions?

Hamas has released Idan Alexander, an American-Israeli soldier who was held captive in the Gaza Strip for more than 19 months, NBC News reported.

Alexander, 21, was the last surviving American citizen held captive in the Gaza Strip. He was handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross at a special crossing in the southern city of Khan Yunis.

The release of the American soldier comes ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East. Trump had previously announced that an agreement had been reached on the issue of his release.

Hamas, however, called the move part of a broader package of measures, including a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the delivery of aid to the area and the opening of crossings. In turn, the Israeli side decided to temporarily suspend military operations in the Gaza Strip, in particular airstrikes and artillery strikes, in order to create conditions for Alexander's safe passage.

According to official Israeli sources, 58 people remain hostages in Gaza after the release of Idan Alexander. It is believed that 23 of them are still alive.

Alexander's release took place at a time of heightened diplomatic tensions between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to NBC News sources, the disagreement between the two leaders is related to the political strategies pursued towards Gaza and Iran.

In this regard, Netanyahu's office issued a separate statement on May 12, stating that the Israeli government had only undertaken to ensure the safe passage of Idan Alexander, but that the issue of a peace agreement with Gaza or the release of Palestinian prisoners was not raised at all.

"The current negotiations are taking place in an environment of ongoing hostilities and the possibility of increased military action," the statement said.

Zamin.uz editorial staff is closely monitoring how these events may affect regional peace and diplomatic relations. Follow us for the latest news on this matter! Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!