The agreement to release Edan Alexander came after talks between Washington and Hamas that did not include Israel.

“Hamas is ready to immediately begin negotiations to reach a comprehensive agreement for a sustainable ceasefire, the withdrawal of the occupation army, the end of the siege, the exchange of prisoners, and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip,” it said in a statement.

"Direct talks have taken place in Doha between the Hamas leadership and the United States regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, a prisoner exchange and the entry of humanitarian aid," said a senior Hamas official, adding that the talks "are still ongoing".

The Israel Defense Forces, announcing the Tuesday Gaza attack, claimed a Hamas command and control center was located beneath the hospital. Israeli media, citing military sources, reported the strike targeted Mohammed Sinwar, brother of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed last October.

President Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed in a message to AP that Hamas had agreed to release Alexander as a good will gesture toward Trump.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday warned that Israel would use its "full force" to "complete" the fight against Hamas in Gaza.