Following Hamas's announcement the previous day, Al-Qassam Brigades released American-Israeli captive Eidan Alexander through the Red Cross. The release, described as a goodwill gesture toward Trump, coincided with a brief ceasefire in Gaza to facilitate the handover.

Netanyahu insisted no broader ceasefire would follow while directing an Israeli delegation to travel to Doha for negotiations at Washington's request. American sources indicated peace talks would begin immediately after Alexander's release, with Trump directly engaged in the process.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued their attacks in Gaza, with 36 Palestinians reported killed by evening and a massacre at a school in Jabaliya housing displaced families. The Israeli cabinet approved a controversial decision to seize Palestinian lands in Area C, comprising 60% of the West Bank, which Palestinian sources warned could displace two-thirds of the population there.

The humanitarian crisis deepened with reports that no bakeries remained operational in Gaza while hospitals faced collapse due to severe medical supply shortages.