A Palestinian girl plays on the rubble of a Palestinian Authority's Legislative Council building near a makeshift displacement camp set up amid building rubble in Gaza City. AFP
The Palestinian militant group on Sunday said it would release US-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, ahead of a visit by US President Donald Trump to the region, and as the group revealed it was engaged in direct talks with Washington towards a ceasefire.
On Monday Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, said it had "decided to release the Zionist soldier holding American citizenship, Edan Alexander, today", spokesman Abu Obeida said on Telegram.
Netanyahu had earlier said that Israel has not committed to a ceasefire of any kind or the release of of any Palestinians in exchnage, "but only to a safe corridor that will allow for the release of Edan".
Negotiations for a possible deal to secure the release of all captives would continue "under fire, during preparations for an intensification of the fighting", he added.
'Opportunity to breathe'
Hamas had said Alexander, the last living captive in Gaza with American citizenship, would be released "as part of efforts towards a ceasefire" and the reopening of aid crossings.
A source close to the resistance group told AFP on Monday that Hamas had decided not to hold a public ceremony for the handover.
A Hamas source meanwhile said that mediators informed the group that Israel would pause military attacks and bombardements for the handover of the soldier.
"Hamas was informed that at exactly 9:30 am, Israel began halting its reconnaissance, drone, and warplane flights, as well as combat operations, to create a safe corridor for the transfer and handover of Edan," the source said.
The pause offered a much-needed respite for residents of the territory under the Israeli genocidal war.
Somaya Abu Al-Kas, 34, who had been displaced to the southern city of Khan Younis, said that "a little while ago, calm settled over Gaza, there was no shelling, and no nearby aircraft, which is very rare".
"We are tired of the shelling, and any ceasefire, even if temporary, we consider it an opportunity to breathe and gather ourselves," said the 34-year-old
But Um Mohammed Zomlot, also displaced in Khan Younis, said that "despite the calm, we are cautious".
"Everyone is afraid that the shelling might resume suddenly after the prisoner is released," said Zomlot, 50.
Gaza's civil defence agency had earlier reported at least 10 killed in an overnight Israeli strike on a school housing displaced people.
'Good faith gesture'
Trump, who is due in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, hailed the "monumental news" of Alexander's release in a post on social media, describing it as a "good faith gesture".
"Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict," he added.
Egypt and Qatar, who along with the US have mediated talks between Hamas and Israel, also welcomed the development, describing it in a joint statement as a "a gesture of goodwill and an encouraging step toward a return to the negotiating table".
Earlier, two Hamas officials told AFP that talks were ongoing in Doha with the United States and reported "progress".
Israel ended a two-month ceasefire on March 18, ramping up its bombardment of the territory, and claoming more Palestinian lives..
The health ministry in Gaza said on Monday that Israel killes at least 2,749 Palestinians since it resumed its war, bringing the overall death toll since the war broke out to 52,862, most of whom are women and children.
Earlier this month, the Israeli government approved plans to expand its Gaza brutal war, with officials talking of retaining a long-term presence there.
*This story was edited by Ahram Online
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