United States President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday that Hamas will release US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, calling it a significant step toward ending the ongoing Gaza conflict. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump expressed hope that the release would be “the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict.”

“This was a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators — Qatar and Egypt — to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones,” Trump added.

Egypt and Qatar issued a joint statement praising the planned release as an “encouraging step.” They emphasized that this gesture of goodwill could pave the way for renewed negotiations, aiming to achieve a ceasefire, facilitate the exchange of prisoners and detainees, and ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office reiterated that Israel will continue its military operations against Hamas. “Negotiations with Hamas will be carried out under fire, based on the commitment to achieve all of the objectives of the war,” the statement read, signaling no immediate change in Israel’s strategic approach despite Alexander’s imminent release.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. The latest report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warned that the Gaza Strip is at a “critical risk of famine.” The report highlighted that, with humanitarian aid and commercial supplies blocked for over 60 days, essential goods are rapidly depleting.

Between May and September 2025, approximately 2.1 million people are expected to face high levels of acute food insecurity. The IPC also projected around 70,500 cases of child malnutrition in the same period. Israeli authorities have faced criticism for impeding aid deliveries, citing security concerns regarding Hamas. Last week, the World Central Kitchen (WCK) suspended parts of its food assistance operations due to severe supply shortages.

The developments underscore the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to address both the humanitarian crisis and the broader conflict, as the region teeters on the edge of a humanitarian catastrophe.