Earlier a senior Hamas official told the BBC that the Palestinian armed group was holding direct negotiations with a US administration official in Qatar. The Israeli PM's office said it had not committed to any ceasefire but only to a "safe corridor" for Mr Alexander's release. Benjamin Netanyahu's office said preparations to intensify fighting were still continuing, and the release of Mr Alexander had been made possible because of military pressure on Hamas. President Trump confirmed Alexander's release in a post on Truth Social, calling it "monumental news" and "a step taken in good faith". We hope our son's release begins negotiations for all 58 remaining hostages, ending this nightmare for them and their families.