Freed Israeli-American Hostage Leaves Gaza as Israel Rejects Ceasefire Deal

 

By Daniel Weiss | Middle East Correspondent

TEL AVIV/GAZA — An Israeli-American woman held hostage in Gaza has been released and transferred to Israeli custody, officials confirmed on Monday, marking a rare moment of relief amid intensifying conflict between Israel and Hamas. The woman, whose identity has not been officially disclosed due to security concerns, was captured during the October 2023 cross-border attacks and has been in captivity for over 18 months. Her release, reportedly mediated by Qatari and Egyptian negotiators, took place under a discreet humanitarian arrangement involving the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Israeli authorities confirmed her safe arrival at a military facility near the Kerem Shalom crossing and stated she was in stable condition, undergoing medical evaluation and debriefing. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked international mediators for their assistance but stressed that Israel would continue military operations in Gaza until all hostages are returned and Hamas's operational capacity is dismantled. “We are committed to bringing every last hostage home. No ceasefire will be considered until that goal is achieved,” Netanyahu said during a televised address.

The release comes amid a renewed wave of airstrikes in Gaza and increasing pressure from the international community to halt the violence. Talks over a potential ceasefire have been ongoing for weeks, facilitated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. However, recent proposals have failed to bridge the gap between Israel’s demand for unconditional hostage release and Hamas’s insistence on an end to the blockade and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The Israeli government's latest statement firmly rejected a draft ceasefire agreement presented over the weekend, asserting that it does not adequately guarantee the disarmament of Hamas or the return of all captives.

On the ground, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Local health officials report hundreds of civilian casualties in the past two weeks, and aid agencies warn of a looming famine. Despite a brief pause in hostilities to allow for the hostage handover, the Israel Defense Forces resumed air and ground operations in Khan Younis and parts of northern Gaza shortly afterward. The IDF stated that their targets included weapons storage sites and command centers allegedly used by Hamas operatives.

The United Nations has expressed alarm over the escalating violence and urged all parties to agree to an immediate and sustained ceasefire. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called the hostage release “a positive step” but warned that the situation could spiral further out of control without urgent de-escalation. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated America's support for Israel’s right to self-defense but also emphasized the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution that includes the release of hostages and humanitarian access.

The freed woman’s family released a brief statement expressing “immense gratitude” for her safe return and asking for privacy. They also called on the Israeli government and international allies to continue efforts to secure the release of other captives, many of whom are believed to be in deteriorating health conditions. According to Israeli estimates, more than 80 hostages remain in Gaza, including foreign nationals.

As the war enters its twentieth month, there appears to be no clear path to a lasting resolution. With both sides hardening their positions and regional tensions simmering, the conflict continues to draw global attention and concern. For now, the safe return of one hostage offers a rare moment of hope—one quickly overshadowed by the sound of renewed airstrikes and the echoes of war.