STATEMENT (US Special Envoy Adam Boehler – cited in Al-Jazeera):

• The plan announced by the Hamas movement to release American captive Edan Alexander is a positive step forward.
• I am heading to Israel with Edan Alexander’s mother to attend his return from Hamas.
• I thank President Donald Trump for his commitment to bringing all Americans home.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: The death toll from the Israeli bombing of the Jabaliya Girls’ School in the northern Gaza Strip has risen to 15, including children, in addition to a number of injured.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: A child, Rimas Samir Obeid, was killed in an Israeli strike that targeted a mosque west of the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip.

ISRAELI MEDIA (Maariv newspaper):

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “I believe we will reach a stage where we can do without US military aid, as happened with economic aid.”
• Netanyahu’s remarks about US military aid came during a discussion in the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

(Neither Netanyahu nor the newspaper clarified the motivation behind his desire, but the alleged statement comes at a time when the relationship between Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump is marked by significant tension.)

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: The Israeli occupation army is launching a series of very intense airstrikes, coinciding with large-scale demolitions of homes in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

US MEDIA (US President Donald Trump):

I am pleased to announce that Edan Alexander, the American citizen held hostage since October 7, 2023, will return to his family, and I am grateful to everyone who contributed to achieving this historic news.

The release of Alexander is a goodwill step towards the United States and the efforts of mediators Qatar and Egypt to end this brutal war.

I hope that the release of Edan Alexander is one of the last necessary steps to end this brutal conflict.

Hamas to Release Alexander in ‘Goodwill’ Ceasefire Gesture ahead of Trump Visit

US MEDIA (US official to Axios):

• US Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Poller will visit Israel on Tuesday to receive the captive Edan Alexander.
• The US Envoy for Hostage Affairs will travel to Israel accompanied by Edan Alexander’s parents.
• The release of the hostages comes thanks to the strength of President Donald Trump and the efforts of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Envoy Stephen Witekoff.

‘Cutting Off Communications’: Did Trump Really Just Turn His Back On Israel?

SOCIAL MEDIA: Palestinian media outlets published a video showing spontaneous marches in Gaza City to celebrate the announcement of an agreement reached between the Hamas movement and the US administration.

مسيرات عفوية في مدينة غزة بعد الإعلان عن التوصل لاتفاق بين حركة حماس وواشنطن pic.twitter.com/kMM2zx9wie

— شبكة قدس الإخبارية (@qudsn) May 11, 2025

ISRAELI MEDIA: Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid stated that news of direct negotiations between the Hamas movement and Washington reflects a serious political failure for the Israeli government and its head, adding that the release of Idan Alexander must be the beginning of a comprehensive deal that brings back all the abductees.

Crowds flood Gaza City streets following announcement of agreement between Hamas and the US. pic.twitter.com/0EygQqM19Y

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) May 11, 2025

ISRAELI MEDIA: Families of Israeli captives stated that the return of Idan must be the beginning of one agreement that brings back all the abductees.

PALESTINE CHRONICLE: The Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas announced Sunday it will imminently release Edan Alexander, the last known living American hostage held in Gaza, in what it describes as a step toward a broader ceasefire agreement and renewed humanitarian access to the besieged Strip. Alexander, a dual Israeli-American citizen, has been held in Gaza for over 550 days.

Hamas to Release Alexander in ‘Goodwill’ Ceasefire Gesture ahead of Trump Visit

HAMAS: Hamas announced that the movement has held contacts with the US administration in recent days and that the dual-nationality Israeli-American soldier Idan Alexander will be released. It added that their contacts with Washington come within the efforts to achieve a ceasefire, open the crossings, and allow aid to reach their people in the Strip.

YEMENI MEDIA: Israel launched a series of raids on the Hodeidah governorate in western Yemen.

PALESTINE CHRONICLE: Hamas confirms direct negotiations with the US for a Gaza ceasefire, as American envoy Stephen Witkoff criticizes Israel for prolonging the war ahead of President Trump’s visit to the region.

Hamas Confirms Direct Negotiations with US as Witkoff Slams Israel’s War Policy

IRANIAN MEDIA: Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian stated that they are serious in the negotiations and seek to reach an agreement, and they will vigorously continue their peaceful nuclear activities, adding that they have not and will not seek to possess nuclear weapons, but they will not give up their right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

REUTERS: Reuters reported that the Israeli army issued warnings to residents of three Yemeni ports to evacuate: Ras Issa, Hodeidah, and Saleef.

ISRAELI MEDIA: Israeli Channel 12 quoted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as saying that they are facing fateful days regarding the release of the “hostages” and Israel supports Witkoff’s approach, adding that Hamas may release soldier Edan Alexander as a goodwill gesture to President Donald Trump, and another deal other than Witkoff’s approach may be proposed, including a smaller number of “hostages” for a lower price.

ISRAELI MEDIA: Israeli Channel 12 reported that US President’s envoy to the Middle East Stephen Witkoff’s criticism of Israel comes at a critical time, as Israel prepares to expand the fighting in Gaza, noting that Witkoff stated that they want the return of the detainees, but Israel does not want to end the war.

AXIOS: Axios, citing a knowledgeable source, reported that Witkoff is discussing with Israel, Qatar, and Egypt, and through them with Hamas, regarding the release of hostages and a broader peace.

AL-JAZEERA: A leader in the Hamas movement told Al Jazeera that there are advanced direct negotiations with the US administration regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, adding that the negotiations have been ongoing for days and are discussing the entry of aid and a ceasefire.

ISRAELI MEDIA: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the entire area extending from the Jordan River to the sea, including Gaza, will be under their security control.

ISRAELI ARMY: The Nahal Brigade has ended its operations in the West Bank and is preparing for additional tasks as part of expanding operations in the Gaza Strip.

PALESTINE CHRONICLE: NBC News, citing US officials and Middle Eastern diplomats, reported that recent weeks have seen growing tensions between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“In recent weeks, the relationship between Trump and Netanyahu has become strained as the two leaders are increasingly at odds,” NBC reported.

NBC: Trump-Netanyahu Rift Widens over Iran Strategy and Gaza Offensive

ISRAELI MEDIA: Haaretz reported, citing sources, that the relationship between National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Police Commissioner has deteriorated following statements by the Commissioner supporting a deal to return the abductees.

ISRAELI ARMY: The Israeli army said that the Nahal Brigade has ended its operations in the West Bank and is preparing for additional tasks as part of expanding operations in the Gaza Strip.

PALESTINE CHRONICLE: Pope Leo XIV has called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, expressing profound sorrow over the worsening humanitarian crisis there.

Speaking from his office overlooking St. Peter’s Square during his first Sunday address since becoming pope last Thursday, Leo XIV addressed a range of global concerns.

Pope Leo XIV Warns of ‘Third World War in Pieces,’ Demands Gaza Ceasefire

PALESTINE CHRONICLE: The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza has reported a dramatic rise in blindness cases as the Israeli onslaught continues, warning that the territory’s only eye care hospital is on the verge of shutting down critical surgical operations due to severe shortages in medical supplies.

Since the beginning of the war, around 1,500 people have lost their sight, and an additional 4,000 are at serious risk, the Ministry said on Sunday. The surge in cases is largely attributed to the depletion of essential medicines and surgical tools.

Thousands Losing Sight in Gaza as Israeli Siege Halts Surgical Care

WASHINGTON POST (citing White House official): There is no need for a conversation between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as the latter has visited Washington 700 times since Trump’s inauguration.

AL-JAZEERA (citing medical sources): 25 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on areas in the Gaza Strip since dawn today, Sunday.

NBC: NBC, citing US officials and diplomats, reported that the relationship between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been strained in recent weeks, with the disagreement between Trump and Netanyahu increasing over challenges related to Gaza and Iran.

AL-JAZEERA: Students suffocated after the Israeli occupation stormed the school complex in Halhul, north of Hebron, in the occupied West Bank.

AL-JAZEERA: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that they are not certain that military action in Gaza will serve Israel’s security, adding that the Gaza Strip is part of the Palestinian territories and they support America’s plan regarding humanitarian aid to Gaza, concluding that the conflict in Gaza cannot be solved by military means, and the political solution must be the basis.

GAZA HEALTH MINISTRY: The Israeli genocidal war has killed 52,829 Palestinians and injured 119,554 since October 7, 2023.

HAMAS STATEMENT: The world must raise a loud “no” in the face of Netanyahu and his use of the starvation war as a weapon against children and defenseless civilians.

Preventing thousands of piled-up trucks from entering Gaza while children die of hunger is a compound war crime, affirming its support for the position of international organizations rejecting any arrangements that do not respect humanitarian principles in the entry and distribution of aid.

The positions of Arab and Islamic countries do not match the size of the disaster caused by the genocide war and the starvation crime in Gaza.

AL-JAZEERA: Israeli aircraft bombed the Islamic University building in Ma’an, east of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip.

PALESTINE CHRONICLE: Israeli forces carried out widespread military operations across the West Bank on Saturday, including house demolitions, arrests, and crackdowns following an armed resistance response near Jenin.

Resistance Fighters Strike Israeli Forces as Raids Rock Multiple Cities

PALESTINE CHRONICLE: The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Resistance Movement Hamas, released a new video showing Israeli prisoner No. 21, who appeared visibly distressed as he described the worsening condition of fellow captive No. 22.

In the video, the prisoner said they had long feared that the ongoing war would endanger their lives.

‘We’ve Lost Hope’: Israeli Captive Pleads for End to War in New Qassam Video

AL-JAZEERA: A Palestinian was killed in an Israeli shelling of Deir al-Balah city in the central Gaza Strip.

PALESTINE CHRONICLE: At least ten Palestinians were killed and dozens injured as Israeli attacks targeted displaced families in tents and schools, while starvation claims more lives under blockade.

Israeli Strikes Kill Displaced Palestinians as Starvation Deaths Rise in Gaza

AL-JAZEERA (citing medical sources): 12 Palestinians, including 5 children, have been martyred in the Israeli bombing of the Gaza Strip since dawn today.

AL-JAZEERA: The Director of Medical Relief in the Gaza Strip told Al Jazeera that they are suffering from a severe shortage of medical supplies, medicines, and medical personnel, adding that the number of injured is very large, exceeding the capabilities of the medical staff and available resources.

ISRAELI MEDIA: The Maariv newspaper reported that the Ministerial Council (the Cabinet) will meet today before US President Donald Trump’s visit to the region, amid efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement.

Maariv: Trump ‘Threw Israel Under the Bus’ for Domestic Economic Stability

ISRAELI MEDIA: Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated that he will present a comprehensive plan to the government today to provide benefits to reserve soldiers worth 3 billion shekels.

ISRAELI MEDIA: Walla, citing sources, reported a 26% decline in the number of travelers at Ben Gurion Airport today compared to bookings due to the Yemeni missiles, and a 34% decline in the number of flights at Ben Gurion Airport today due to the Yemeni missile last week.

THE ECONOMIST: The British magazine The Economist, quoting a report based on a study conducted by The Lancet, stated that the real death toll in Gaza may reach 109,000.

GAZA HEALTH MINISTRY: The Gaza Ministry of Health reported that 1,500 Palestinians have lost their sight due to the war, and another 4,000 are at risk of losing it amid a shortage of medicines.

ISRAELI MEDIA: Israel Army Radio reported the recruitment of two reserve brigades of infantry and armor with the aim of expanding the military operation in Gaza, noting that five reserve brigades have been recruited so far as part of expanding operations in Gaza.

ISRAELI MEDIA: The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation quoted military officials as saying that they are concerned about Hamas expanding existing tunnels in Gaza and building new tunnels.

AL-JAZEERA: Nine Palestinians, including four children, were killed following an Israeli bombing of tents sheltering displaced people west of Khan Yunis.

Grieving Palestinians hold funeral prayers for victims of last night's Israeli massacre in Khan Younis. Among those killed were four children under the age of five. pic.twitter.com/J0yRrbJeKC

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) May 11, 2025

AL-JAZEERA: The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor warned of an escalating pace of “silent death” claiming the lives of the elderly and children in the Gaza Strip.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Israeli occupation army blew up residential buildings east of Gaza City and in the northern part of the Strip.

Intl Law in the Face of Genocide: Seven Takeaways from FloodGate Interview with Triestino Mariniello

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Israeli occupation artillery shelling targeted the town of Abasan al-Kabira, east of Khan Yunis, while occupation aircraft launched airstrikes on the cities of Rafah and Khan Yunis, and the Al-Tuffah neighborhood.

Five Members of One Family Killed as Israel Bombs Displaced Palestinians in Gaza

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Two Palestinians were killed and five others were injured in an Israeli occupation drone strike that targeted a displaced persons’ tent west of Khan Yunis city in the southern Gaza Strip.