For Mr Alexander, his family and the many Israelis who have been campaigning for the hostages in Gaza, his release brought relief and joy. For Binyamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, it was a moment of diplomatic embarrassment.

Israeli military strikes killed at least 50 Palestinians, local health authorities said, as President Donald Trump continued his visit to the Middle East.

Israeli military strikes killed at least 80 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, local health authorities said, in an intensification of the bombardment as U.S. President Donald Trump visits the Middle East.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says there is “no way” Israel will halt its war in Gaza, even if a deal is reached to release more hostages.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly stated that the war in Gaza will not end until Hamas is completely destroyed - even if more hostages are released. His comments follow renewed ceasefire talks and the release of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander by Hamas earlier this week.