Explosion in Samaria: Sound from building explosion by IDF in Nur Shams

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<p>Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the release of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander: "This is a very emotional moment – Edan Alexander has returned home. We embrace him and we embrace his family.</p><p>"This was achieved thanks to our military pressure and the diplomatic pressure applied by President Trump. This is a winning combination.</p><p>"I spoke with President Trump today. He told me 'I am committed to Israel. I am committed to continuing to work with you in close cooperation' – in order to achieve all of our war objectives: Releasing all of the hostages, and defeating Hamas.</p><p>"This goes together. They are combined with each other."</p>

Report: Steve Witkoff to visit Hostages Square in Tel Aviv to meet with families

While on the helicopter, Edan wrote his first public message on a whiteboard: 'Thank you, President Trump. Am Yisrael Chai (the nation of Israel lives).'

<p>IDF Chief Staff Eyal Zamir at the Hostages and Missing Persons Headquarters: "We are emotional and grateful for the return of Edan, an IDF soldier, home. That said, we do not forget our commitment to bring back the 58 hostages still held by Hamas—they remain constantly in our thoughts. We will continue to use all means at our disposal to bring them home."</p>

Break in fighting ends: Reports in Gaza of IDF airstrikes

Reports in Gaza: One killed, others injured in IDF artillery strike on Daraj Tufah