Israel has not committed to a ceasefire with the radical Palestinian organization “Hamas“ in the Gaza Strip, nor to an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today, quoted by Reuters, BTA reports.
In an official statement issued by his office, Netanyahu stressed that Israel had only agreed to provide a safe humanitarian corridor that would allow the release of hostage Eden Alexander - with dual Israeli and American citizenship.
Earlier last night, a high-ranking representative of “Hamas“ told DPA that Alexander's release was expected within 48 hours. The announcement came on the eve of US President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East, which will include visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
President Trump confirmed that the captive would soon be reunited with his family.
In the same statement, Prime Minister Netanyahu indicated that, in parallel with the negotiations for the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza, Israel would continue its preparations to expand the offensive against “Hamas“ in the Palestinian enclave.