Alexander’s Release Marks Turning Point in Gaza War as U.S. Pushes Netanyahu Toward Ceasefire Deal
Yedioth Ahronoth: Hamas' Gesture to Trump Sparks U.S. Pressure for Hostage Deal; Netanyahu Threatens Wider War if Hamas Rejects “Witkoff Plan”.
Watan-Aidan Alexander was released by Hamas in a goodwill gesture toward U.S. President Donald Trump—but what comes next? According to Yedioth Ahronoth on Tuesday, the release of the dual-national prisoner marks a turning point in the war.
It could lead to negotiations over the so-called “Witkoff Proposal”—a plan aimed at securing the release of all remaining hostages, both living and dead, and ending the war. Alternatively, Israel has issued Hamas a deadline, after which it will activate the “Gideon’s Chariots” plan to “defeat the group” if it rejects the deal in both of its phases.
Israel emphasized that Alexander’s release came with no concessions, calling it a unilateral step by Hamas. Before his release, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Monday with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Ambassador Mike Huckabee. Netanyahu then phoned Trump and dispatched a negotiation team to Doha for talks “under fire only.”
Witkoff Pressures Israel Toward Ceasefire as U.S. Uses Alexander’s Release to Push for Broader Deal
Still, American officials reportedly told the paper that Witkoff’s message was clear: Washington has no intention of conceding to Netanyahu and is determined to end the war. Some officials who recently spoke with Witkoff said the U.S. wants to leverage Alexander’s release and Trump’s Saudi visit to corner Netanyahu into advancing a deal—believing the Israeli leader won’t risk an open clash with Trump.
The Witkoff proposal envisions a 40-day ceasefire between phases A and B, allowing for intense negotiations to reach phase B, which includes a full halt to hostilities. However, Israel reportedly refuses to end the war unless Hamas disarms and its leadership is exiled. Israeli frustration also stems from Witkoff negotiating directly with Hamas behind Israel’s back.
The Israeli delegation in Doha is expected to remain at least until Thursday, during Trump’s regional tour. The team is led by the deputy head of Shin Bet (“M”), hostage affairs coordinator Gal Hirsch, Netanyahu’s political adviser Ophir Balk, and representatives from Mossad and Military Intelligence.
Alexander’s Quiet Release Sets Stage for Deal Talks as Israel Eyes Humanitarian Control in Southern Gaza
Coinciding with this, Hamas agreed to release Alexander without holding a public celebration—reportedly at Trump’s insistence. Yedioth Ahronoth called this a “calculated move,” noting that an ostentatious celebration could hinder future deals. Rabbi Yehuda Kaplan, Trump’s appointed anti-antisemitism envoy, said at a Jewish communities summit in Madrid: “This is the first time a hostage returns without a show. It was very important to the President.” Adam Boehler, Trump’s envoy for detainee affairs, called the release “a small step toward bringing them all home.”
To ensure Alexander’s safe return, Israel suspended drone surveillance over Gaza and opened a corridor in Khan Younis for the Red Cross to receive him. Despite reports of tension between Netanyahu and Trump, the paper quoted sources saying recent talks were friendly. An Israeli official added: “There are no gaps between us and the Americans—no deal, no ceasefire, no aid in exchange for Alexander’s release.”
Regarding the Doha talks, a senior Israeli official said: “We hope to enter serious negotiations for a mass release. We insist on freeing half the captives in one go, and the other half upon a final agreement.” He added that while the situation remains unpredictable, Hamas is clearly delaying Israel’s full control of Gaza, hoping to preserve its rule.
As for humanitarian aid, Israel claims it made no concessions in exchange for Alexander’s release. Nonetheless, the U.S. continues delivering aid through American firms. An Israeli official stated: “We want aid limited to southern Gaza—food distribution, hospitals, and tent cities. The goal is to move all Gazans south so they accept the new reality and do not return north.”
He added: “Until the south is secured, Israel will need to provide minimal aid to northern Gaza—but only once it’s clear there’s no alternative and famine looms.” He noted that temporary distribution centers will be set up in occupied, “cleared” northern areas until operations shift southward. The objective, he said, is to deprive Hamas of governance capacity, which “would mean 90% of the mission is complete.”
