Meeting with kidnapped families, Boehler emphasized that the release of Edan Alexander is proof that the United States is “Detacled by all Americans and Israelis imprisoned by Hamas.” He also reminded that President Trump committed himself to make every effort in this matter, and “if there is one thing that we can say about the president, it is that he keeps his promises.”
Boehler, who flew to Israel with the family of Alexander – the only survivor of the American hostage, released after 584 days of captivity, “he pointed out that it was a gesture of good will by Hamas towards Trump. The media indicate that negotiations in this matter were mainly conducted by intermediaries without the Israeli authorities.
- Germany about the conflict in the Gaza Strip. “It cannot be solved militarily”
Netanyahu has a different opinion
Prime minister On the other hand, Benjamin Netanyahu assessed that an increase in military pressure on Hamas played a key role. He said that further actions in this spirit “will force the release of subsequent hostages and will lead to the final destruction of the Palestinian terrorist organization.”
Although, according to surveys, most of Israel citizens support the exchange of kidnapped at the end of the conflict – an offer extended many times by Hamas – the Netanyahu government rejects it, arguing that it does not guarantee the permanent disarmament of the group or removing it from power in gas. In the opinion of the Israeli office, the purpose of the operation is to release hostages and “destroy Hamas”.
- The EU is considering suspending the dialogue with Israel. No unanimity
Tensions between the USA and Israel are growing
In the background of these events there are growing tensions between Washington and Jerusalem. American diplomacy, as reported by the Haaretz daily, pressed the Israeli leaders to negotiate a truce before Trump's visit, threatening that if it did not happen, “Israel would be left alone.”
At the same time, Steve Witkoff, the Middle East envoy, who together with Boehler talked to the hostage's families, pointed out that all pages “focus on diplomacy and bringing home -kidnapped home.” Unofficial relations, however, show that the day before Witkoff sharply criticized the Israeli authorities for “extending the war” without the perspective of real progress.
On Tuesday, Witkoff also met with Edan Alexander, and then he had a telephone conversation with him with President Trump.
