Hamas to Free U.S.-Israeli Hostage as Gaza Strike Kills 16

Palestinians struggle to obtain donated food at a community kitchen in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, Friday, May 9, 2025.

Hamas said it would release the last remaining American-Israeli hostage held in Gaza on Monday, while an Israeli airstrike on a school shelter in the Jabaliya area killed at least 16 people, including five children and four women, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

Several others were wounded in the strike, which targeted a school-turned-shelter in the densely populated enclave. The Israeli military did not immediately comment but maintains it targets only militants and blames Hamas for operating among civilians.

The escalation comes ahead of a Middle East visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Rising Casualties Amid Intensified Conflict

Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that 33 bodies were brought to hospitals in the past 24 hours, along with 94 injured people. Among the dead were four victims pulled from the rubble.

The ministry said that since Israel resumed its offensive in March—ending a nearly two-month ceasefire—2,749 people have been killed and 7,607 wounded. The overall death toll from the war has risen to 52,862, with 119,648 injured. It noted that more than half the dead are women and children but does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

Israel Challenges ICC Arrest Warrants

Israel has asked the International Criminal Court to revoke arrest warrants issued against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant. The Hague-based court had previously alleged their involvement in crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel argues the court lacks jurisdiction and that enforcing the warrants would unlawfully deprive both leaders of their liberty. The appeal follows a recent pretrial order requiring a review of jurisdiction but not suspending the warrants.

Hostage Release as Gesture to Trump

Hamas announced it will release Edan Alexander, an American-Israeli soldier captured on October 7, 2023, as a goodwill gesture to the Trump administration. Two Hamas officials told the Associated Press that the release is expected within 48 hours, in a broader effort to reopen Gaza’s border crossings and resume humanitarian aid.

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy, confirmed the planned release, which would mark the first hostage freed since the ceasefire collapsed in March.

Hostage Family Reacts with Gratitude

Alexander’s family, based in the United States, expressed joy in a statement: “We received the greatest gift imaginable—news that our beautiful son Edan is returning home after 583 days in captivity in Gaza.” The family thanked Trump and urged further efforts to free the remaining 58 hostages.

Tensions Among Other Hostage Families

While many welcomed Alexander’s release, some expressed concern that his U.S. citizenship gave him priority. “Trump is rescuing him. Who will rescue Gali and Ziv?” asked Maccabit Mayer, aunt of sibling hostages Gali and Ziv Berman, on Israeli Army Radio.

Criticism also grew against Netanyahu, with some families accusing him of prolonging the war for political reasons rather than securing the hostages’ release.

Worsening Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

As Israel’s blockade of Gaza enters its third month, aid groups warn of growing famine. Hospitals are unable to feed patients, and charity kitchens are shutting down. Food shortages have left markets with only canned goods and a few vegetables, and malnutrition is rising rapidly across the territory.